President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Emeritus Professor Seth Sunday Ajayi, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and trailblazer in wildlife and fisheries management, who passed away at the age of 82.
In a statement, the President described the Kogi State born professor as a towering figure whose life and career were marked by groundbreaking contributions to environmental science, agriculture, and wildlife conservation in Nigeria and beyond. He noted that Prof. Ajayi’s pioneering research laid the foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, including the African giant rat, grasscutter, and Nigerian helmeted guinea fowl.
According to President Tinubu, these innovations not only boosted sustainable animal protein production across Africa but also helped preserve biodiversity and prevent species extinction. He added that Prof. Ajayi’s work with international organisations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) brought global recognition to Nigeria.
In recognition of his outstanding service to science and humanity, Prof. Ajayi was inducted into UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994 and later awarded the Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2013.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Ajayi family, the Government and people of Kogi State, and the Nigerian environmental science community, praying for the peaceful repose of the late scholar’s soul.