The Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SDSTF) has announced a strategic transition of its Board of Trustees and its Advisory counterpart as part of its renewed commitment to advance sustainable tourism, climate action, and community empowerment across Nigeria and the African continent.
The transition marks a new phase in the Foundation’s growth trajectory, strengthening its governance, leadership, and alignment with national and global sustainability priorities.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Abigail Olagbaye, Founder and Chairperson of the Board, SDSTF has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost voices for responsible tourism and climate resilience. Over the past three years, the Foundation has championed initiatives that promote low-carbon tourism, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive community development — working alongside stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
In announcing the new Board structure, Dr. Olagbaye reaffirmed SDSTF’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria’s climate agenda, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the goals of the Climate Change Act 2021 by positioning tourism as a driver of green growth, natural capital investment, and local prosperity.
“This transition reflects our belief that the future of Nigeria’s tourism lies in sustainability — in the protection of our natural assets, the empowerment of our people, and the creation of green opportunities that bridge environment and economy,” said Dr. Olagbaye. “We are building a Foundation whose leadership embodies vision, expertise, and integrity — to help shape Africa’s sustainable tourism narrative.”
The new Board brings together a distinguished mix of leaders in sustainability, tourism, finance, and governance. Among the new appointees is Dr. Eugene Itua, Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital and a leading voice in environmental management, natural capital accounting, and climate policy in Nigeria. His inclusion reflects the Foundation’s deepening focus on environmental stewardship, green investment, and circular economy transition within the tourism sector.
The outgoing Board, which successfully steered the Foundation through its formative years, will be honoured at a Board Farewell and Transition Ceremony to celebrate their service and dedication.
Through this new phase, SDSTF aims to:
Strengthen strategic partnerships with the Federal Ministries of Environment; Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy; and the National Council on Climate Change.
Champion low-carbon tourism models and green infrastructure development across Nigerian destinations.
Mobilize climate finance and impact investment for community-based and nature-positive tourism projects.
Advance the integration of natural capital and sustainability metrics in tourism policy and planning.
The Foundation reiterated its readiness to work closely with government, the private sector, development agencies, and civil society to align tourism transformation with Nigeria’s Agenda 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SDSTF):
Sayari Dunia is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, climate action, and inclusive development across Africa. Its programs focus on advocacy, research, community empowerment, and green investment models that link tourism growth to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Media & Communications Office
Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SDSTF)
Email: comms@sayaridunia.org
Phone: 08023385775
