OSUN’S RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICIES EARN ADELEKE TOP AWARD

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has received a Green Leadership Award in recognition of his administration’s efforts to promote climate action, renewable energy, environmental sustainability and a green economy in the state.

The award was presented at the 1st International and 3rd National Women Green Summit and Exhibition 2026 (WIGSE-26), organised by the Women in Renewable Energy Association in Lagos.

Adeleke was represented at the event by the Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, who received the award on his behalf and delivered the governor’s goodwill message.

The organisers said the award recognised the administration’s development and implementation of policies aimed at advancing climate and green economic development in Osun.

These include the Osun State Climate Action Plan, Renewable Energy Policy, Circular Economy Action Plan and Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio.

The organisers also highlighted the state government’s interventions in solar energy, recycling, waste-to-wealth, ecosystem restoration and sustainable transportation.

Among the initiatives cited were the operationalisation of a recycling hub, the IMOLE solar lantern initiative, which was designed to improve access to clean and reliable lighting for students, and electric-motorbike initiatives introduced as part of the state’s sustainable transportation agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Obuaku-Igwe said Osun’s approach to climate action was not limited to environmental protection but was also focused on improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities.

She said, “Climate action must translate into opportunities for our people. It must create jobs, strengthen livelihoods, expand energy access, encourage innovation and build a more resilient economy.”

She stressed the need to place women and young people at the centre of Africa’s transition to a green economy, noting that access to finance, technology, skills, markets and supportive public policies would be critical to enabling women-led green enterprises to thrive.

The governor’s representative also welcomed the summit’s focus on policy reform and capital mobilisation for women’s participation in the green economy, saying the objectives aligned with Osun State’s efforts to attract green investment and expand renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.

She reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to strengthen partnerships with investors, development institutions, private-sector organisations, researchers and other stakeholders to scale climate-smart initiatives and create more opportunities for women and young people.

Obuaku-Igwe commended WIRE-A for bringing together women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss the future of the green economy.

She described women as “not merely beneficiaries but critical drivers of Africa’s green transition,” stressing the importance of empowering them to participate actively in the sector.

The award adds to recognition of the Osun administration’s efforts to link environmental sustainability with energy access, innovation, employment and inclusive economic development.