Nigerian scientist Prof. Adenle bags global food and peace award
Professor Ademola Adenle, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert, has become the first-ever recipient of the World Academy of Sciences – M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
The accolade, often described as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize”, was presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.
The award, established in memory of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan—widely regarded as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution”—recognises individuals from developing nations whose work advances food security, sustainable agriculture, and peacebuilding.
Prof. Adenle, who serves as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, was celebrated for his pioneering efforts in applying science and innovation to address climate change, food insecurity, public health challenges, and energy poverty across Africa and the Global South.
“Receiving this award is a profound honour,” Prof. Adenle said. “As the son of a smallholder farmer, I witnessed firsthand the realities of low agricultural productivity and rural poverty. This recognition strengthens my commitment to using science and innovation to build a more just, food-secure, and sustainable future.”
His work spans agricultural policy, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health, with a focus on empowering vulnerable communities through practical, scalable solutions. Prof. Adenle’s initiatives have shaped regional and global dialogues on climate-resilient agriculture, equitable access to technology, and inclusive development policies.
Looking ahead, he plans to launch the Women in Biosciences Initiative, aimed at boosting rural agricultural productivity through training, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption. The programme will also improve public health and reduce energy poverty through expanded access to solar energy, in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation across Africa and Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Prof. Adenle as a “beacon of hope” and a symbol of how science can uplift humanity.
Prof. Adenle’s recognition highlights the rising influence of African scientists in global sustainability and the need for stronger investment in research, rural infrastructure, and policies prioritising women and youth in agriculture.
