President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the academic and scientific community in mourning the death of Emeritus Professor Sunday Ajayi, a trailblazing Nigerian scholar and pioneer in Wildlife and Fisheries Management, who passed away at the age of 82.
Reacting to the loss, the President, in a condolence message released on Tuesday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, paid glowing tribute to the late Professor of Wildlife Ecology, describing him as an exceptional figure whose influence spanned several critical sectors.
Tinubu said Professor Ajayi, a native of Mopa in Kogi State, distinguished himself as a pathfinder whose career was marked by groundbreaking achievements that reshaped environmental sciences and strengthened agricultural and academic development in Nigeria.
“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,” the President stated.
He noted that the late scholar’s contributions to knowledge, research and capacity building had earned him respect within and outside Nigeria, adding that his legacy would continue to guide future generations of scientists and environmental managers.
The President extended his condolences to the Ajayi family, the academic community and the people of Kogi State, praying for comfort for all those affected by the loss and eternal rest for the departed scholar.
