The former vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed president of the board of trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), taking over leadership of the country's leading environmental conservation organisation. He made the announcement during his acceptance speech at the group's 37th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday in Lagos. Osinbajo praised the founding members of the NCF, particularly President Emeritus Chief Philip Asiodu and the late Chief S.L. Edu, for establishing a legacy of environmental stewardship long before climate change became a global issue. He credited their early vision with laying the foundation for Nigeria's current climate action framework. According to Osinbajo, biodiversity conservation was a priority the founders embraced decades ahead of its global recognition. He said the impacts of climate change are now visible across Nigeria, citing increased flooding and rising temperatures as evidence. Osinbajo referenced extreme heat in parts of Europe, where temperatures have reached between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, to highlight the growing urgency for coordinated environmental efforts. He expressed confidence that advances in technology, innovation and science offer viable tools to combat ecological challenges. Nigeria, he added, already possesses the necessary resources to make meaningful progress in conservation and sustainability. The NCF was described as the nation's foremost non-governmental organisation focused on environmental protection and climate initiatives. Osinbajo commended the foundation's management, staff, volunteers and partners for maintaining its programmes over the years. He pledged to expand on past achievements and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in his new role.
Osinbajo's appointment to lead a conservation group follows his departure from elected office, marking a shift from national governance to environmental advocacy. His emphasis on technological solutions contrasts with the lack of specific policy mechanisms mentioned to address Nigeria's visible climate impacts like flooding. No Nigerian or African athlete was involved in the event.
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