President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted Professor Ademola Adenle, a Nigerian sustainability expert and agricultural innovator, in recognition of his recent achievement as the inaugural recipient of the World Academy of Sciences – M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.

The award, widely regarded as a “mini-Nobel Peace Prize,” was presented to Adenle by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7 at the M. S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.

President Tinubu described Adenle’s achievement as a global honour for Nigeria, praising his groundbreaking contributions in agricultural innovation policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, all aimed at advancing sustainable development for marginalized populations in Africa and beyond.

A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the meeting was attended by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

Professor Adenle, who serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was honoured for his transformative work in food security, climate justice, and empowerment of vulnerable communities.

In line with his vision for sustainable development, Adenle announced the launch of the Women in Biosciences Initiative, a programme designed to enhance rural agricultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption. The initiative will also tackle malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and promote renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, to address energy poverty.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, extending the late Professor Swaminathan’s legacy of combining scientific excellence with social progress across Africa and Asia.

At the award ceremony, Prime Minister Modi described Adenle as “a beacon of hope” whose work addresses some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.

The M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace recognises individuals from developing countries who have made transformative contributions to food security, sustainable agriculture, and peacebuilding, highlighting the global significance of Adenle’s work.