Tinubu hails Prof. Adenle, winner of global food, peace award

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert, Professor Ademola Adenle, for winning the inaugural World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.

Receiving the award-winning scientist at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu commended Professor Adenle for bringing honour to Nigeria through his groundbreaking work in agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health.

The President lauded his contributions toward advancing sustainable solutions that improve the lives of rural and marginalised communities across Africa and beyond.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, was also in attendance.

Professor Adenle made history as the first recipient of the global award, which was presented by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on August 7, 2025, during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.

Often described as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize,” the award was established by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in honour of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the renowned Indian agricultural scientist celebrated as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution.”

Professor Adenle, who currently serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was recognised for his exceptional contributions to food security, climate justice, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Adenle announced plans to launch the Women in Biosciences Initiative, a programme aimed at boosting rural agricultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The initiative will also tackle malnutrition, improve access to clean water, and promote renewable energy adoption—particularly solar power—to reduce energy poverty.

The project will be implemented in partnership with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation across Africa and Asia, extending Swaminathan’s legacy of combining science with social equity.

During the award ceremony in India, Prime Minister Modi described Prof. Adenle as “a beacon of hope” for his unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges related to food, peace, and sustainability.