The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as president of its Board of Trustees (BoT).
The appointment was announced on Wednesday at the foundation’s annual general meeting in Lagos.
Osinbajo succeeds Philip Asiodu, who stepped down after serving as president of the board for more than 25 years.
Speaking at the meeting, R.I.B. Adebiyi, chairperson of the foundation’s National Executive Council (NEC), commended Asiodu for his contributions to environmental conservation and institutional development.
She said Asiodu’s tenure was marked by “wisdom, foresight and an unwavering commitment” to environmental protection, adding that he leaves behind a stronger organisation with a clearer vision for forest restoration and conservation.
Asiodu, who served as chief economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is an advocate of Nigeria’s 25 percent forest cover target and the Great Green Wall initiative.
According to the foundation, his leadership strengthened the NCF’s work in habitat protection, community conservation and environmental policy advocacy.
Adebiyi said Osinbajo’s experience in public service and climate policy makes him well-positioned to lead the organisation’s next phase.
“We are honoured to welcome Professor Yemi Osinbajo as president of our Board of Trustees,” she said.
“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 the NCF into the future.
“We believe his experience at the highest levels of government will help us scale our impact for people and nature.”
Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s vice-president between 2015 and 2023. During his tenure, he led the development of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, and chaired the National Council on Climate Change.
The foundation said he also championed the integration of forests, biodiversity and natural capital into national development policies.
Adebiyi added that under Osinbajo’s leadership, the foundation would deepen partnerships with government, the private sector and local communities to expand conservation efforts across the country.
She said the leadership transition comes as the NCF prepares to scale up nationwide programmes focused on protecting Nigeria’s forests, wetlands, wildlife and livelihoods.
