President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ademola Adenle, a Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert, for winning the inaugural World Academy of Sciences, the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
The President also commended Prof. Adenle’s pioneering work in agricultural innovation, bio-sciences, renewable energy, and public health across Africa and beyond.
While receiving Professor Adenle at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu described the honour as ‘a global recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in scientific innovation and sustainable development.’
He lauded the scholar’s efforts in promoting solutions that address food insecurity and improve livelihoods in rural and marginalised communities.
Professor Adenle who was led to the President for the presentation of the award said; “I will soon launch a programme on Women in Biosciences Initiative, designed to enhance rural agricultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.”
The programme will also tackle malnutrition and waterborne diseases while promoting renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power to reduce energy poverty.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation across Africa and Asia, advancing Professor Swaminathan’s legacy of linking science with social equity
Professor Adenle currently serves as the Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He made history as the first-ever recipient of the prestigious global award, which was presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2025, during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, India.
Widely regarded as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize,” the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace was established by the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in memory of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, celebrated as the Father of India’s Green Revolution.
The award recognises individuals from developing nations who have made transformative contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and peacebuilding.
Olusola Akintonde