Former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has promised to deepen environmental protection and climate action after his emergence as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Osinbajo was reported to have made the pledge on Wednesday while giving his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.
He commended the founding fathers of the NCF, especially its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in promoting environmental conservation decades ago, long before climate change became a global issue.
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 the country’s environmental conservation movement.
He said the founders had recognised the importance of biodiversity conservation long before the issue of climate change gained global prominence.
“They are deserving of our commendation and gratitude because they had the foresight and vision to see what Nigeria would be like in terms of climate action without the strong foundation they laid for the country,” he said.
“The impacts of climate change are becoming more visible across Nigeria in the form of flooding, rising temperatures and other environmental challenges,” Osinbajo said.
He said parts of Europe were seeing temperatures between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, a development that he said highlighted the urgency of collective climate action.
“There is no question that we are living in the most challenging of times in respect to climate change,” he said.
But the former vice president was hopeful that progress in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would create opportunities to address environmental problems more effectively.
He said Nigeria has the tools required to make a significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Osinbajo described the NCF as Nigeria’s leading non-governmental organisation committed to environmental conservation and climate action.
He commended the Foundation’s trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers and development partners for keeping the conservation programmes going over the years.
Osinbajo, who accepted his new role, promised to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.
“I accept this responsibility with deep humility and gratitude.
“I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff, volunteers and partners to advance the Foundation’s mission and ensure a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.
He also pledged his commitment to strengthening the Foundation’s leadership role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
