Tinubu mourns emeritus Professor, Sunday Ajayi

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA —PRESIDENT Bola 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.

President Tinubu in a statement on Tuesday, said the Mopa, Kogi State-born Professor of Wildlife Ecology, served Nigeria and humanity through his innovations in Wildlife and Fisheries management worldwide.

“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.

“His pioneering scientific research provided the foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, notably 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.

“His innovative approaches to wildlife conservation at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), the German Foundation for International Development and in the United Nations Environmental Programme made Nigeria proud,” the President said.

In recognition of Ajayi’s contributions to science and humanity, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) inducted him into the Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994.

He was also conferred with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in 2013.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to Ajayi’s family, friends and associates, the Government and people of Kogi State, as well as the Nigerian Environmental Sciences community, over the loss of the dedicated professional.

The President prayed for the repose of Ajayi’s soul.

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