The 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture: Greening Africa’s Economies
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) hosted the highly anticipated 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Ijewere Hall, CIBN, Victoria Island, Lagos. This flagship advocacy event, organized yearly in collaboration with the S.L. Edu family and supported by Chevron Nigeria Limited, brings together global and local stakeholders to discuss pressing climate and environmental issues.
The event is organised around a topical conservation issue and it involves a notable guest speaker who addresses the audience according to the Lecture’s topic. As a leading advocacy tool, the audience usually comprise members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, policy makers, researchers, government representatives, conservation stakeholders, members of Nigerian Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees, local and international press among others. The lecture serves to raise awareness and drive policy interventions from important, global environmental issues while situating the subject matters within the Nigerian context.
This year’s theme: “Greening Africa’s Economies: Can Climate Positive Growth Deliver Prosperity?” reflected Africa’s critical role in the global fight against climate change. Following the outcomes of COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the newly secured $300 billion in annual carbon financing by 2035, this year’s event underscored the need for Africa to leverage its natural resources, renewable energy potential, and youthful workforce to achieve climate-positive growth. It was a call to action for African nations to position themselves as leaders in sustainable development while addressing energy poverty, protecting ecosystems, and fostering economic prosperity.
The highlight of the event was the keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria. and a global advocate for climate action and energy security, shared insights drawn from his years of public service and international engagement.
Key Quotes from Prof. Osinbajo:
“Africa is the least emitter of greenhouse gases but is warming faster than other continents. Over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, while 950 million lack clean cooking fuel. Energy poverty exacerbates extreme poverty and limits human development opportunities.”
“Africa has the potential to become the first true green industrial civilisation. By leveraging our vast renewable energy resources, young entrepreneurial talent, and natural assets, we can create low-carbon manufacturing hubs and protect our ecosystems. This approach will not only drive economic growth but also generate jobs and alleviate poverty.”
Prof. Osinbajo’s address also emphasized the importance of harmonizing internal policies and developing stronger capital markets to promote investments in renewable energy.
Key Takeaways
– Africa’s vast resources, including 60% of the world’s renewable energy potential and 65% of uncultivated arable land, are crucial for driving climate-positive growth.
– By adopting sustainable farming methods and low-carbon industrialization, Africa can compete globally while preserving its ecosystems.
– Collaboration among governments, private sectors, and communities is essential to achieving sustainable development.
Highlights of the Event
PhD Research Grants
The Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture equally serves to award grants to two PhD students whose researches are in the field of environmental sciences in any Nigerian universities. The grant is sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited and seeks to promote research works in nature conservation, biodiversity preservation, environmental management and sustainable livelihood.
Selection of successful candidates is done through months of rigorous adjudication exercise involving academics, professionals and stakeholders in the fields of conservation. After the last round of selection, two outstanding PhD students were awarded grants sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited. The recipients were:
– Oluwatoyin Mary Oluyinka, pursuing a PhD in Forest Information Systems at the University of Ibadan.
– Yohanna Christopher Tumba, pursuing a PhD in Plant Ecology at the University of Jos.
Notable Guests
The event was graced by prominent figures, including:
– Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
– Weert Borner LL.M., Consul General, Federal Republic of Germany.
– Sally Woolhouse, Head of Economic Development, Climate, and Energy, British High Commission.
– Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Governor.
The event inspired both young and adult attendees. A student participant shared, “Hearing about Africa’s renewable energy potential made me believe in our ability to lead the world in sustainability.”
Meanwhile, an adult attendee remarked, “This lecture reinforced the urgent need for policy and action to make climate-positive growth a reality.”
Impact of the Event
The Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture has achieved significant gains in shaping public opinions and government policies in Nigeria and to some extent, globally. It has equally supported many researchers in fulfilling research goals and contributing to the body of knowledge across the field of environmental science. After each lecture, recommendations from the lecture are shared with the government and stakeholders. The event remains cardinal to the achievement of the Foundation’s vision and mission.
Past Lectures: A Legacy of Advocacy
Since its inception in 2003, the Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture has hosted renowned speakers who have addressed critical environmental issues. Below is a comprehensive list of past lectures:
– 2003: Environmental Management Imperatives in Africa’s Sustainable Development – Prof. Charles Odidi Okidi, Institute of Development Studies, University of Nairobi.
– 2004: Biodiversity and Poverty Alleviation – Prof. David U.U. Okali, Chairman, Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), Ibadan.
– 2005: Environmental Policy and Performance: A Sustainable Development Agenda for Nigeria – Chief (Dr.) Ernest A.O. Shonekan GCFR, CBE, Former Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
– 2006: Biodiversity Cost of Oil and Gas Exploitation in the Niger Delta – Prof. A. M. A. Imevbore, Environmental Resources Managers Ltd..
– 2007: An Environmental Agenda for Nigeria in the Next Two Decades – Izoma Philip C. Asiodu CFR, CON President, Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
– 2008: Pathfinding for Strategic Environmental Management in Nigeria: Some Critical Trajectories – Dr. Goodluck Jonathan GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
– 2009: Threats to the Nigerian Environment: A Call for Positive Action – Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Former Governor of Ondo State.
– 2010: The Vanishing Planet – Dr. Newton C. Jibunoh OON, FNIOB, D. Sc. Founder, FADE Africa.
– 2011: Birds and People – Nigel J. Collar PhD (Leventis Fellow, Conservation Biology, BirdLife International.
– 2012: Environmental Sustainability, Governance and Development in Nigeria – Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari, Joint Special Representative, African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
– 2013: Addressing Environment and Conservation: A Development and National Security Imperative – Prof. U. Joy Ogwu, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York.
– 2014: Climate Resilient Water Resources Management for Poverty Reduction in Nigeria – Professor Emmanuel Oladipo Climate Change and Environment Expert.
– 2015: Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in Nigeria – Prof. Victor O. Adetimirin, Head, Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan.
– 2016: Valuing Nigeria’s Forests: Issues and Context – Prof. Labode Popoola PhD, FFAN, Professor of Economics, President FAN, Co-director, NSDSN.
– 2017: The Last Nigeria Vulture: The Consequences for Human Health and the Economy – Ms. Amina J. Mohammed OFR, Honourable Minister of Environment.
– 2018: Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in West Africa: The Role of Environmental Law and Governance – Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun SAN, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University.
– 2019: The Quiet Revolution – Faith and the Environment – Martin Giles Palmer, Founding President and Chief Executive of FaithInvest.
– 2020: The Role of Traditional Leaders in Protecting and Restoring the Nigerian Environment – Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, His Eminence, The Sultan of Sokoto.
– 2021: Youth and Ecosystem Restoration – Simangele M. Msweli, Senior Manager, Youth Leadership Program.
– 2022: Only One Earth – Sir David Attenborough, Renowned British Broadcaster and Celebrated Naturalist.
– 2023: Humanity and the Twin Crises of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss – Mr. Martin Harper, Acting CEO, BirdLife International.
– 2024: Carbon Credits: Opportunities and Pitfalls – Mr. Kevin Juma, Africa Climate Director, The Nature Conservancy, Nairobi, Kenya.
This legacy highlights the event’s commitment to environmental sustainability and global collaboration.
Watch the Full Recording
Relive the impactful moments of the 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture by watching the full recording here: [https://shorturl.at/0SFiG]
Blazing the Torch of Advocacy
The 23rd Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture was more than an event—it was a call to action for Africa to harness its resources and lead the charge in climate-positive. With insightful discussions, notable achievements, and actionable recommendations, the lecture furthered NCF’s mission to safeguard Nigeria’s natural heritage and contribute to global environmental sustainability.
About NCF
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation is Nigeria’s foremost environmental NGO, committed to preserving the country’s rich natural heritage. Established in 1980 by Chief S.L. Edu, NCF collaborates with international organizations such as the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Through advocacy, research, and community partnerships, NCF continues to lead efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
