The former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has vowed to intensify environmental protection and climate action following his emergence as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Osinbajo was said to have made the pledge on Wednesday while delivering his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.
He praised the founding fathers of the NCF, especially its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in advocating environmental conservation decades ago, long before climate change became a global issue.
The former vice president also acknowledged the contributions of 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 understood the importance of biodiversity conservation long before the issue of climate change gained global prominence.
“They are worthy of our praise and thankfulness because they had the wisdom and foresight to see what Nigeria was going to be like in terms of climate action without the solid foundation they laid for the country,” he said.
“The effects of climate change are increasingly evident across Nigeria through flooding, rising temperatures and other environmental challenges,” Osinbajo said.
He said parts of Europe were experiencing temperatures of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, a trend he said underscored the urgency of collective climate action.
“There is no question that we are living in the most challenging of times with respect to climate change,” he said.
But the former vice president was optimistic that advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would open up opportunities to tackle environmental problems more effectively.
Nigeria, he said, has the tools required to make a significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
Osinbajo called the NCF Nigeria’s leading non-governmental organisation focused on environmental conservation and climate action.
He praised the Foundation’s trustees, members, management, staff, volunteers and development partners for their efforts in maintaining the conservation programmes over the years.
Accepting his new role, Osinbajo promised to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.
“I take 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 pledged his commitment to reinforcing the Foundation’s lead role in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
