On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Osun State has received multiple awards in recognition of its leadership in climate change action and environmental sustainability. The honours were presented at the closing of the Pre-Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS-2025) Stakeholders Engagement Workshop held at the Western Sun Hotel, Ede.
The three-day workshop, which ran from April 28 to 30, 2025, was convened in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and development stakeholders. It attracted high-level participants including government officials, academics, civil society groups, and private sector representatives, who deliberated on climate project development, waste-to-wealth innovation, and access to international climate finance.
Speaking during a reception at the Government House in Osogbo to honour the participants, Governor Ademola Adeleke said Osun had emerged as a sub national hub for climate action in South Western Nigeria.
“We are elated as a government for the partnership that birthed this transformative workshop,” the governor said. “Our commitment to climate action predates our assumption of office. Osun is today the undisputed hub for climate action in South Western Nigeria.”
Adeleke recalled that following his electoral victory in July 2022, his transition committee laid the groundwork for climate governance, which led to the creation of a dedicated Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment. The state also appointed a Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, who has since led various initiatives earning the state national recognition.
“Since her appointment, Prof. Obuaku-Igwe has innovated on several fronts. Her leadership and partnership with the Ministry of Environment have resulted in three climate action awards for Osun,” the governor said.
Among ongoing initiatives is the establishment of a Recycling Hub to drive circular economy and fast-track waste-to-wealth processes. The project is being coordinated under the Office of the Consultant.
In her remarks at the workshop, Prof. Obuaku-Igwe stressed the need for states to align local solutions with international climate finance mechanisms.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and global climate financing,” she said. “With well-developed concepts and strong financial models, Osun is positioned to attract the investments required to implement scalable, high-impact climate projects.”
The workshop featured presentations from leading experts including Dr. Bankole Seyi, Mr. O.O. Eto Abasi, Prof. Kafeelah Yusuf, and Dr. Ademola Aderinto, covering topics such as MRV systems, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy integration, and behavioural change for environmental sustainability.
A communique issued at the end of the workshop outlined several key resolutions, including the scaling up of public-private partnerships, building MRV capacity at state level, creating project incubation hubs, and harmonising federal and state policies.
The motion for the adoption of the communique was moved by Hon. Funso Babarinde, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Renewable Energy, and seconded by Comrade Akinbode Oluwasegun of the National Youth Council, Osun State.
As part of next steps, stakeholders agreed on the submission of bankable climate proposals to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) by Q4 2025 and the organisation of a follow-up summit to review progress.
Governor Adeleke also commended the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Mayowa Adejorin, and the top management of the ministry for their dedication to environmental sustainability.
“We are not relenting,” the governor said. “The knowledge shared here will no doubt translate into implementable projects that will drive sustainable development in Osun and beyond.”
Osun State is expected to participate fully in the upcoming Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja from May 27 to 30, 2025.
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