President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ademola Adenle, a renowned Nigerian sustainability scholar, for winning the inaugural World Academy of Sciences M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
During a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu praised Prof. Adenle for his groundbreaking contributions to agricultural innovation, renewable energy, biosciences, and public health, all of which aim to improve the lives of rural and marginalized communities across Africa.
Accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari (CON), Prof. Adenle was commended by the President for bringing international recognition to Nigeria through his pioneering work in sustainable development and food systems.
The award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2025, during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, India, is described globally as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize.” It was established by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in honour of the late Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, revered as the Father of India’s Green Revolution.
Prof. Adenle, who currently serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, made history as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious global honour. He was recognized for his leadership in promoting food security, climate justice, and community empowerment.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Adenle revealed plans to launch the Women in Biosciences Initiative, designed to boost rural agricultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The initiative will also tackle malnutrition, promote renewable energy adoption particularly solar energy and reduce energy poverty.
The program will be implemented in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, extending the late Swaminathan’s legacy of merging scientific excellence with social impact across Africa and Asia.
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At the award ceremony in India, Prime Minister Modi described Prof. Adenle as “a beacon of hope” for his commitment to tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including hunger, climate change, and inequality.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting visionary Nigerians like Prof. Adenle, whose efforts continue to uplift the nation’s global standing in sustainability and food innovation.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
November 3, 2025