By Marvellous Nyang
July 8, 2026
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, has appointed former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as President of its Board of Trustees, ushering in a new leadership phase for Nigeria’s foremost environmental organisation.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday during the foundation’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos.
Osinbajo succeeds renowned economist and elder statesman, Chief Philip Asiodu, who stepped down after more than 25 years of leading the Board of Trustees.
The transition marks the end of one of the longest serving board presidencies in the history of the organisation, with Asiodu widely credited for strengthening the foundation’s institutional capacity, advancing habitat protection, promoting community based conservation and championing environmental policy reforms.
Speaking at the meeting, Chairperson of the NCF National Executive Council, Mrs R. I. B. Adebiyi, described Asiodu’s stewardship as one defined by wisdom, foresight and an unwavering commitment to environmental protection.
She said his leadership left the foundation stronger and better positioned to pursue forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management.
Announcing Osinbajo’s appointment, Adebiyi said the former Vice President brings to the role extensive experience in governance, climate policy and sustainable development.
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“We are honoured to welcome Professor Yemi Osinbajo as President of our Board of Trustees.
“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 NCF into the future.
“We believe his experience at the highest levels of government will help us scale our impact for people and nature,” she said.
During his tenure as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023, Osinbajo played a central role in shaping the country’s climate and energy policies.
He led the development of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, the country’s long term roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060, while also chairing the National Council on Climate Change.
He equally championed the integration of forests, biodiversity and natural capital into national development planning, helping to elevate environmental sustainability within Nigeria’s economic agenda.
The foundation expressed confidence that under Osinbajo’s leadership it would deepen collaboration with governments, development partners, the private sector and local communities to expand conservation programmes across the country.
NCF said the leadership transition comes at a critical time as the organisation intensifies efforts to protect Nigeria’s forests, wetlands and wildlife, while promoting climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
Founded in 1980, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation is Nigeria’s leading non governmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable environmental development. It is the Nigerian partner of the World Wide Fund for Nature, WWF.
