President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of 82-year-old Emeritus Professor Seth Sunday Ajayi, the respected Nigerian scholar and pioneer of Wildlife and Fisheries Management who died at the age of 82.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the Mopa, Kogi State-born Professor of Wildlife Ecology as a giant whose life and work left enduring footprints across environmental sciences, agriculture, academia, innovation and technological development.
“Emeritus Professor Ajayi was a giant. The story of his life is laced with many firsts, leaving indelible footprints across the realms of Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Academia, Innovation and Technological Development,” President Tinubu said.
He noted that Ajayi’s pioneering scientific research laid the foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, including the African Giant Rat, the Grasscutter and the Nigerian Helmeted Guinea Fowl.
“These globally acclaimed breakthroughs created sustainable pathways for increased animal protein supply in Africa while safeguarding biodiversity and preventing species extinction,” the President stated.
Tinubu also highlighted the late scholar’s international impact, noting that his innovative approaches to wildlife conservation at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme, the German Foundation for International Development and the United Nations Environment Programme brought pride to Nigeria.
In recognition of his contributions to science and humanity, Ajayi was inducted into UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994 and later conferred with the Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2013.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to Ajayi’s family, friends and associates, the government and people of Kogi State, and the Nigerian environmental sciences community, describing the late professor as a dedicated professional whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“The nation has lost a dedicated professional,” the President said, while praying for the repose of Ajayi’s soul.
