PHOTO: (r-l) Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene,
Chairman of the House of Representatives on Committee on Renewable Energy; Prof. Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant to Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy
By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Osun State Government on Tuesday unveiled its Climate-smart Investment Portfolio at the first-ever South-west Post-conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy, tagged, “From Vision to Action: Localizing Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Legislative Agenda”.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Adeleke at Oasis Events And Conference Centre, Osogbo, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi noted that Osun is also presenting the draft of its Renewable Energy Policy, crafted to establish a strong legislative and institutional foundation for an inclusive energy transition at the sub national level.
Governor Adeleke further stated that Osun is also launching the draft of its Climate Action Plan, which was developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities and development partners.
He then declared the two days event open while stating that Osun is establishing a State Recycling Hub, showcasing electric motorcycles, and launching Green Clubs in Schools, because of its climate vision that extends beyond now but for generations yet unborn.
He said, “On this special day, we are unveiling our Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio being a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy. We are also presenting the Draft Osun State Renewable Energy Policy, crafted to establish a strong legislative and institutional foundation for an inclusive energy transition at the sub national level.
“In addition, we are launching the Draft Osun State Climate Action Plan, which was developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities and our development partners. We are equally proud to unveil the IMOLE Solar Lantern Project which is a practical and symbolic solution for last-mile energy access. “One Child, One Lantern” is our promise. Every child deserves light to study, dream and grow, regardless of their location or background.
“To all our delegates: you will find a sample of the IMOLE Solar Lantern in your conference bag, not just as a keepsake but as a beacon of the future we are striving for. Let it remind you of a child in Iwo, Ifetedo, or Ikire whose dreams now shine a little brighter. Furthermore, we are establishing the Osun State Recycling Hub, showcasing electric motorcycles, and launching Green Clubs in Schools, because our climate vision extends beyond today; it is for the generations yet unborn.
In his special remarks, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, expressed gratitude to the governor for graciously hosting the event at short notice.
He said: “In fact, the theme, “From Vision to Action: Localizing Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Legislative Agenda,” aligns perfectly with the governor’s innovative leadership and vision for development.
Following the successful First Annual National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy in Lagos last month – which was organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Parliamentary Development Programme – we gather here today as a direct outcome of that event.
“We commend His Excellency’s foresight in recognizing the importance of technology for development, and we believe this deserves a round of applause.
“The active and strategic participation of the Osun delegation at the First National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy—organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—stands as a testament to your government’s commitment to clean and inclusive energy solutions.
“We especially commend Professor Chinwe Obuaku, who ably represented Your Excellency as Consultant, Technical Lead, and Focal Point professional.
“Her insightful contributions and expertise underscores Osun’s position as a key sub-national player in Nigeria’s clean energy movement. And she has worked tirelessly to make this event happen. We say, thank you, Prof.
“In recognition of Osun State’s progressive actions—ranging from the e-bike pilot, to waste-to-energy innovations and off-grid renewable energy interventions— We came to the consensus that Osun State will be a veritable fertile ground to host this Post-Conference Stakeholder Roundtable on Renewable Energy, with a broader regional focus.”
He added: “As a Parliament, we recognize that effective lawmaking requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes progress, development, and the well-being of our citizens. To address these pressing challenges, we must explore innovative problem-solving strategies.
“Renewable energy, an emerging sector in Nigeria, has garnered significant attention from the government as a key solution to our electricity power supply issues, and deliberate steps are being taken to harness its potential.
“In deed, kudos to the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives, led by our Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, who deliberately made the development of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector a top priority. To underscore his commitment to this pathway, Mr. Speaker, in a historic first, established the Committee on Renewable Energy to spearhead policies, track progress, and promote development that attracts investment and sustains renewable energy technology in Nigeria – which is exactly why we are gathered here today.
“This strategic approach aims to popularize the new technology and encourage Nigerians to adopt renewable energy solutions, thereby strengthening national energy options and security.
“The House has also taken further steps towards promoting sustainability, by recently adopting a Resolution that makes it mandatory for government ministries, agencies, departments and institutions to transition to renewable energy sources for their power needs. And we believe that these could be replicated in the sub-nationals, for a better unified and coordinated development trajectory.”
In her address, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, Consultant to Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, noted that the post- conference’s objective is to shape clear, actionable, and localized solutions for renewable energy development.
She emphasized the importance of job creation, access to clean energy, and inclusive growth in Osun State and the wider South West.
The two-day conference will end on Wednesday.