Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has pledged to strengthen environmental conservation and climate action following his emergence as President of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Osinbajo made the pledge on Wednesday while delivering his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers of the NCF, particularly its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in promoting environmental conservation decades before climate change became a global concern.
The former vice president 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.
According to him, the founders recognised the importance of biodiversity conservation long before climate change gained global prominence.
“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 said the effects of climate change had become increasingly evident across Nigeria through flooding and rising temperatures.
He noted 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, however, expressed optimism that advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would provide opportunities to tackle environmental challenges more effectively.
According to him, Nigeria has the tools required to make significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Osinbajo described the NCF as Nigeria’s foremost non-governmental organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and climate action.
He commended the Foundation’s trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers and development partners for sustaining its conservation programmes over the years.
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 also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Foundation’s leadership role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Asiodu, the Foundation’s President Emeritus, served the NCF for more than 20 years and stepped down from the position at the age of 92.
