By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the state as a model for subnational climate action.
He made this known at the recently concluded COP30 held in São Paulo, Brazil.
A statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, disclosed that the governor said the global forum provided an opportunity to showcase Osun State as a role model for integrated climate action and the adoption of sustainable energy practices.
He was represented at the conference by the Director-General and Special Envoy to the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing deliberate and far-reaching policies in the climate sector.
Presenting the state’s climate vision at the well-attended Osun State side event, the governor highlighted Osun’s pioneering work in subnational climate action and emphasized its growing leadership in renewable energy, e-mobility, and circular economy innovation.
At the event titled “From Waste to Wheels and Watts: Subnational Innovation in Recycling, E-Mobility & Solar,” the governor stressed that COP30 offered a pivotal opportunity for subnational governments to shift from intentions to measurable outcomes.
He noted that Osun State was participating not for ceremonial purposes but to secure concrete partnerships, investments, and technical collaborations that would directly benefit its citizens.
He outlined three central commitments in the state’s climate strategy:
- Deepening subnational–international partnerships;
- Unlocking climate finance and Article 6 opportunities; and
- Upscaling homegrown innovation.
The governor also spotlighted Osun’s progress — from solar energy adoption to recycling enterprises and the emergence of a green livelihoods workforce — calling on partners to help scale these innovations for national and global replication.
He emphasized that the Osun State Government has institutionalized a governance culture that promotes collective problem-solving and community-centered implementation in its climate initiatives.
“Climate leadership must translate into jobs, improved systems, stronger institutions, and resilience for the people we serve. Osun State is not here to simply attend COP30; we are here to deliver outcomes that follow us back home,” he stated.
The event also featured the screening of a documentary showcasing real stories of transformation through recycling, e-mobility, and solar innovation — presenting Osun as a model for pragmatic and scalable climate action in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that Adeleke has received several national and international awards in recognition of the transformative climate policies, programmes, and projects being implemented through the Office of the Special Envoy.
