The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as the new president of its board of trustees, succeeding Philip Asiodu, who led the board for over 25 years. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, July 8, during the NCF's annual general meeting in Lagos, as reported by The Cable.
Osinbajo's Background and Appointment
Osinbajo served as Nigeria's 14th vice president from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The NCF cited his leadership of Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan and his advocacy for climate action as key reasons for his selection. R.I.B. Adebiyi, chairperson of the foundation's national executive council, praised Osinbajo's track record, stating: "His track record as vice-president, his leadership of Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan, and his advocacy for climate action and sustainable development make him uniquely qualified to guide NCF into the future. We believe his experience at the highest levels of government will help us scale our impact for people and nature."
Philip Asiodu's Legacy
Adebiyi paid tribute to Asiodu's decades of service, describing his tenure as defined by "wisdom, foresight and an unwavering commitment" to environmental protection. Under Asiodu's leadership, the NCF grew into a stronger institution focused on forest restoration and conservation. Asiodu, who previously served as chief economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was a consistent advocate for Nigeria's target of achieving 25% forest cover and for the Great Green Wall initiative. The foundation credited his leadership with advancing habitat protection, community conservation programmes, and environmental policy advocacy at the national level.
NCF's Future Plans
The transition in leadership coincides with the NCF's plans to expand programmes targeting the protection of Nigeria's forests, wetlands, wildlife, and rural livelihoods. Adebiyi noted that Osinbajo would be expected to deepen the NCF's ties with government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to broaden the reach of conservation efforts across the country. Osinbajo, accepting his new role, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders, according to The Guardian. He commended the foundation's trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers, and development partners for sustaining its conservation programmes over the years.
