Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the President of its Board of Trustees (BOT), marking a significant leadership transition for one of Nigeria's foremost environmental non-governmental organisations. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos. Osinbajo succeeds Chief Philip Asiodu, who stepped down after serving as President of the Board for more than 25 years. Asiodu, the Foundation's President Emeritus, retired at the age of 92.
Welcoming Osinbajo to his new role, the Chairperson of the NCF National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, praised Asiodu for his longstanding contributions to environmental conservation and institutional development, describing his tenure as one defined by "wisdom, foresight and an unwavering commitment" to protecting Nigeria's natural environment. She noted that Osinbajo's extensive experience in public service, climate policy and sustainable development positions him to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth. She highlighted his leadership of Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan during his tenure as Vice President and his advocacy for climate action, which she said would strengthen the Foundation's efforts to expand conservation initiatives and deepen partnerships with government, the private sector and local communities.
In his acceptance speech, Osinbajo described the NCF as Nigeria's foremost non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and climate action. He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the NCF, particularly Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in promoting environmental conservation decades before climate change became a global concern. He also acknowledged the contributions of the late Chief S.L. Edu and other founding trustees, saying their vision laid the foundation for Nigeria’s environmental conservation movement. "They deserve our commendation and gratitude because, but for their vision, Nigeria would not have had the strong foundation it has today for climate action," he said.
Osinbajo noted that the effects of climate change had become increasingly evident across Nigeria through flooding and rising temperatures, warning that parts of Europe were experiencing temperatures of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, underscoring the urgency of collective climate action. "There is no question that we are living in the most challenging times with respect to climate change," he said. He expressed optimism that advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would provide opportunities to tackle environmental challenges more effectively, adding that Nigeria has the tools required to make significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Accepting his new responsibility, Osinbajo pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders. "I accept this responsibility with great humility and gratitude. I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff, volunteers and partners to advance the Foundation's mission and secure a healthier environment for future generations," he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Foundation's leadership role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Founded in 1980, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation is one of the country's foremost environmental non-governmental organisations, focusing on biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, environmental education and sustainable natural resource management. During the AGM, the Foundation also reported that it had planted 265,561 trees and restored 300 hectares of degraded land in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation across the country. Under its new leadership, the organisation plans to scale up nationwide programmes aimed at protecting forests, wetlands, wildlife and local livelihoods.
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