From Muyiwa Adegbite, Lagos
Former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, 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).
This was even as the NCF said that it planted 265,561 trees and restored 300 hectares of degraded land in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen biodiversity conservation across the country.
Osinbajo made the pledge on Wednesday while delivering his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos State.
Osinbajo 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.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the National Executive Council, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, said Nigeria continued to face environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, flooding, desertification, pollution and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
She said the challenges required stronger environmental governance, science-based policies and closer collaboration among governments, communities, development partners and the private sector.
According to her, implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and growing global interest in nature-based solutions offer fresh opportunities for conservation financing and international cooperation.
Adebiyi said the Foundation would continue to strengthen institutional resilience, promote transparency and accountability, improve conservation financing, support innovation and climate adaptation, and deepen partnerships.
She commended members of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, management, staff, volunteers, donors and development partners for their continued support.
Also speaking, the President of the Board of Trustees, Chief Philip Asiodu, described climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation and unsustainable land-use practices as major environmental threats confronting the country.
He called for greater investment in research, innovation, technology transfer and public-private partnerships to promote sustainable development while protecting ecosystems.
According to him, community-based conservation and evidence-driven policies remain critical to restoring Nigeria’s forests, strengthening resilience and improving environmental governance.
Presenting the Foundation’s 2025 annual report, the Director-General, Dr Joseph Onoja, said the NCF restored 300 hectares of degraded land, protected 58 hectares of farmland and implemented conservation programmes in 119 communities.
He added that the Foundation reached more than 515 schools, directly engaged 15,321 students and expanded nature-based solutions across three landscapes, particularly in the Niger Delta through mangrove restoration projects.