The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), says it has been thrown into mourning over the death of Alhaji Ahmed Joda, a long-serving member of its board of trustees.
NCF’s Board of Trustees, National Executive Council and Management, stated this in a statement signed by its president, Izoma Asiodu, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The foundation described Joda, who died at the age of 91 on Friday in Yola, as a rare gem, indefatigable elder statesman, vanguard and true advocate for nature and sustainability in Africa.
It noted that during his lifetime, he was highly dedicated to the conservation of nature and its sustainability, and had brought his wealth of experience and knowledge to advance conservation efforts in Nigeria and Africa at large.
“We celebrate the life and memory of our dearly beloved, truly remarkable man with numerous great achievements.
“Notable among many other achievements are his appointment into the Federal Civil Service as a Permanent Secretary serving in the federal ministries of information, Education and Industries, and others, retiring in 1978.
“However, even after formal retirement, being a tireless and passionate individual devoted to nation building, he was appointed by different administrations, at various levels and different capacities to make further contributions to the development of the country,” NCF said in the statement.
It said that apart from demonstrating personal example by practicing conservation in his own private agricultural enterprises, his commitment opened many doors of partnership and funding for the NCF.
“He was a humble, straightforward and liberal Nigerian. The void his death has created will forever be felt in our hearts,” it further said.