The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental sustainability and conservation, with plans to scale up initiatives across the nation. At its 35th Annual General Meeting, held in Lagos, NCF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) President, Izoma Philip Asiodu, urged the foundation’s National Executive Council (NEC) to work towards establishing offices in every state to enhance grassroots conservation efforts.
Asiodu stressed the importance of nationwide advocacy, highlighting that environmental challenges require swift local and global responses due to the cross-border nature of conservation issues. He further noted that NCF’s flagship initiative, Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN), successfully planted 285,000 trees in 2023. The GRN aims to restore Nigeria’s dwindling forest cover from its current 7% to 25% by 2047, a critical effort to combat deforestation and the effects of climate change.
Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, Chairman of the NCF NEC, praised the foundation’s progress in protecting endangered species despite persistent threats such as illegal logging, poaching, and the worsening impacts of climate change. She emphasized that the foundation plans to intensify its conservation activities, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and push for a more robust legal framework for wildlife protection and sustainable development in the years to come.
In his 2023 report, NCF’s Director-General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, announced significant milestones achieved under the organization’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2021-2025, which aims to focus NCF’s conservation efforts on biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability. The year saw notable advancements in wetland and wildlife conservation, research and monitoring, and community-based environmental education.
“As we celebrate 44 years of excellence in conservation, we remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations,” Onoja added, as he outlined the foundation’s continued focus on education, advocacy, and sustainable development projects.
The AGM drew participation from corporate and individual NCF members, NEC members, BOT members, and students from various institutions, showcasing a collective commitment to environmental preservation.
