Bukola Afeni
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has appointed Kunle Olawoyin as its new Director of Communications, Policy and Advocacy, with effect from March 2, 2026.
Olawoyin, a seasoned communications and advocacy expert, will lead the Foundation’s communications, policy and advocacy agenda in line with the organisation’s 2025–2030 strategic plan. In his new role, olawoyin is expected to work closely with various teams within the Foundation to strengthen NCF’s public voice, influence environmental policy outcomes, and shape national and continental conversations on climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental pollution.
Before this appointment, Olawoyin served as Head of the Media and Public Affairs Unit at NCF between 2009 and 2015. His return to the organisation brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications, advocacy campaigns and policy engagement at both national and international levels.
As a trained journalist, Olawoyin began his career as a cub reporter with Rhythm 93.7 FM. He later worked with National Interest Newspapers and National Mirror Newspapers, where he gained extensive experience in reporting, editing and news production.
Over the years, he has built a strong career in the development and humanitarian sector. He previously served as Media and Communications Officer at Oxfam GB and Oxfam International before joining Save the Children International. At Save the Children, he held several key positions including Media and Communications Manager for Nigeria, Regional Media and Communications Manager for West and Central Africa, and most recently Media Manager at the Global Media Unit of the organisation.
Through these roles, Olawoyin has led strategic media engagements and communication initiatives that enhanced the visibility and impact of the organisations he has worked with.
Olawoyin holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from Lagos State University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the National Open University of Nigeria, and a Master of Laws (LLM) from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He also holds professional certifications including Advanced Writing and Reporting from Pan-Atlantic University.
Speaking on the appointment, NCF Director General Dr. Joseph Onoja expressed confidence in Olawoyin’s ability to deliver in his new role.
“I have no doubt about Kunle’s capacity to deliver on this new challenge because of his depth of experience in communications, advocacy and campaigns, combined with his prior knowledge of NCF,” Onoja said.
He added that the Foundation, as a leader in environmental conservation in Nigeria, requires highly skilled professionals to enhance the visibility of its impact, strengthen public engagement and advance policy influence across multiple platforms.
Founded in 1980 by the late Chief S.L. Edu and registered as a charitable trust in 1982, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation is Nigeria’s premier environmental non-governmental organisation dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development.
NCF is the BirdLife International partner in Nigeria, an associate of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Foundation also works closely with international partners including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Wetlands International, while maintaining strong collaborations with governments, corporate organisations, communities and individuals across the country.
