With gratitude to God and total submission to His will, the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, Management and staff of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) announce the shocking passing away of our Executive Director, Professor Emmanuel Asuquo Obot.

Professor Emmanuel Obot met his untimely death during the ill-fated Dana flight crash in Lagos on the 3rd June, 2012.

A renowned Professor of Botany, Professor Emmanuel  Obot during his life time contributed immensely to environmental issues and sustainable development in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. A researcher of international repute, he worked with the National Institute for Fresh Water Fishery Research and coordinated biological research during the establishment phase of the Cross River National Park at Okwango.

As a lecturer, the Professor had several years of teaching experience at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology as well as the Nigerian Defence Academy among others. He was author of several published books and journals. He was also the editor of the Nigerian field.

Until his passing away, he was the NCF’s Executive Director, a position he held for about 10 years. Professor Obot represented Nigeria at many international conferences and participated in the negotiation and conclusion of several treaties and conventions related to nature conservation

He was a member of World Conservation Union Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social policy where he served as the Chairman of its committee on the “Theme on the Social Environmental Accountability of the Private Sector”.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation has lost a gem. We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of this unsung hero of the nature conservation and sustainable development. Our thoughts and prayers  go to the family of Professor Obot as well as to the families of other victims of the tragic Crash.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.