President Tinubu mourns Professor Seth Ajayi, pioneer in wildlife management and fisheries, praising his contributions to environmental science and biodiversity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Emeritus Professor Seth Sunday Ajayi, the 82-year-old Nigerian scholar renowned for his pioneering work in Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

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Born in Mopa, Kogi State, Professor Ajayi made groundbreaking contributions to environmental sciences, agriculture, academia, and technological innovation.

President Tinubu described him as “a giant” whose life was marked by numerous firsts and lasting impact on science and humanity.

“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,” the President said. “These globally acclaimed breakthroughs created sustainable pathways for increased animal protein supply in Africa while safeguarding biodiversity and preventing species extinction.”

Professor Ajayi’s innovative approaches to wildlife conservation extended to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Foundation for International Development, and the United Nations Environmental Programme, earning Nigeria international recognition.

In 1994, the United Nations Environment Programme inducted him into the Global 500 Roll of Honour, while Nigeria awarded him the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in 2013.

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President Tinubu extended condolences to Professor Ajayi’s family, friends, and associates, as well as to the Government and people of Kogi State and the Nigerian environmental sciences community, praying for the repose of his soul.