Tinubu receives, commends Adenle for Global Food and Peace Award

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Ademola Adenle, a Professor and distinguished Nigerian expert in sustainability and agricultural innovation, following his landmark achievement as the first-ever recipient of the World Academy of Sciences–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.

According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrated Adenle’s accomplishment, acknowledging how it brings significant prestige to Nigeria.

He praised the professor’s impactful work in agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, which aims to deliver sustainable solutions for marginalised and rural communities across Africa and beyond.

“Congratulations to Professor Ademola Adenle for receiving this prestigious award and for putting Nigeria on the global map,” President Tinubu stated.

The award, often lauded as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize,” was presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2025 during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi. It memorializes the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, known as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution,” whose scientific breakthroughs transformed food production in India and inspired innovation worldwide.

Adenle currently serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. His contributions to food security, climate justice, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups earned him this global recognition.

Speaking about his future plans, Adenle revealed the imminent launch of the Women in Biosciences Initiative.
The programme is designed to boost rural agricultural productivity through training, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It also intends to tackle malnutrition and waterborne diseases while promoting renewable energy adoption, particularly solar power, to alleviate energy poverty. This initiative will collaborate with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, continuing the professor’s mission of integrating science with social equity across Africa and Asia.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, was present at the presidential meeting.
Highlighting the importance of the award, Prime Minister Modi described Professor Adenle as “a beacon of hope” who addresses some of humanity’s most critical challenges with dedication and vision.