President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday received Professor Ademola Adenle, the Nigerian scholar who made history as the inaugural recipient of the World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, praising him for bringing international honour to the country.
During the meeting, President Tinubu commended Adenle’s pioneering work in agricultural innovation, renewable energy, public health, and sustainable development, particularly efforts targeted at supporting rural and underserved communities across Africa. He said the award — widely regarded as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize” underscores Nigeria’s growing global leadership in food security and development science.
Adenle received the award on August 7, 2025, at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, India, where it was presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Established by The World Academy of Sciences in honour of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan celebrated as the father of India’s Green Revolution the prize recognises transformative contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and peacebuilding in developing nations.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, attended the Villa audience where discussions highlighted Nigeria’s plans to deepen agricultural innovation and improve food systems.
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Professor Adenle, who serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, announced plans to launch a Women in Biosciences Initiative, aimed at boosting rural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the deployment of renewable energy solutions. The programme will tackle malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and energy poverty, and will be rolled out in partnership with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation across Africa and Asia.
He noted that the initiative reflects Professor Swaminathan’s legacy of marrying science with social equity to uplift vulnerable communities.
Further details on government collaboration with the initiative are expected to be announced in due course.