President Bola Tinubu on Monday received Professor Ademola Adenle, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert who was recently honoured as the first-ever recipient of the prestigious World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
The President offered his congratulations to Adenle, praising him for bringing glory to Nigeria through his achievement.
Tinubu specifically commended his extensive work in the fields of agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, noting its focus on developing sustainable solutions for rural and marginalized populations across Africa and beyond.
Adenle, who currently serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, made history when he was presented with the global honor by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2025, during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, India.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address at the award ceremony, praised Adenle as “a beacon of hope” for his dedication to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Widely recognised as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize,” the award was established by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in memory of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the renowned agricultural scientist often called the “Father of India’s Green Revolution.”
The award seeks to recognise individuals from developing countries who have made transformative contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and peacebuilding.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Adenle announced the forthcoming launch of his Women in Biosciences Initiative.
This programme aims to enhance rural agricultural productivity through targeted training, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
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It is also designed to address critical issues such as: malnutrition and waterborne diseases, and the promotion of renewable energy, specifically solar power, to reduce energy poverty.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation across Africa and Asia, ensuring that Professor Swaminathan’s legacy of combining science with social equity continues to expand.
