The former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has pledged to step up environmental protection and climate action after his emergence as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
Osinbajo is said to have made the pledge on Wednesday when delivering his acceptance speech at the Foundation’s 37th Annual General Meeting in Lagos.
He commended the NCF founding fathers, particularly its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu, for their foresight in advocating for conservation of the environment several decades ago, long before the issue of climate change became a global challenge.
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.
“The founders understood the importance of biodiversity conservation long before the issue of climate change gained global prominence,” he said.
“They deserve our commendation and gratitude because, but for the vision they had, Nigeria would not have had the strong foundation it has today for climate action,” 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 of between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius, a trend he said highlighted the need for 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 advances in technology, innovation and scientific knowledge would create opportunities to address environmental problems more effectively.
Nigeria has the tools required to make a significant progress in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, he said.
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 their efforts in maintaining the conservation programmes over the years.
Osinbajo, while accepting his new role, promised to build on the achievements of his predecessors and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.
“I take this responsibility with much 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 promised to strengthen the Foundation’s leading role in the conservation of biodiversity and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.