By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government has appointed Prof Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe as Director-General and Special Envoy to the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
The appointment, approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke, is a strong statement of Osun’s commitment to environmental sustainability, clean energy development, and inclusive green growth.
Prof. Obuaku-Igwe has led a series of groundbreaking initiatives that have placed Osun at the forefront of subnational climate action in Nigeria. Over the past few years, her leadership has delivered measurable impact, including:
Training over 2,000 youths and women in circular economy and waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship, leading to the emergence of more than 350 green SMEs.
Establishing a recycling hub in partnership with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and Waste Swap Nigeria, processing massive quantities of recyclables monthly and formalizing over 400 green jobs.
Rolling out the IMOLE Solar Lantern Campaign, which has distributed 10,000+ solar lanterns to rural schoolchildren—enhancing education outcomes and reducing household energy costs.
Launching an e-bike pilot project aimed at cutting urban transport emissions and reducing fuel costs by up to 30% for operators.
Developing key policy frameworks, including the Osun Climate Action Plan, Renewable Energy Policy, Circular Economy Strategy, and Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio.
Representing Osun State globally, including at COP28 in Azerbaijan and the Citizens Lobby Conference in Washington DC, successfully securing climate-linked investments.
These accomplishments have not only improved the state’s environmental resilience but have also created over 2,500 green jobs across clean energy, recycling, and sustainable mobility sectors—boosting Osun’s green GDP.
As Director-General and Special Envoy, Prof. Obuaku-Igwe will now operate directly under Governor Adeleke, with a mandate to:
Drive high-level partnerships with multilateral institutions, development agencies, investors, and global climate networks.
Coordinate cross-sectoral implementation of the Osun Climate Action Plan and renewable energy transition efforts.
Strengthen Osun’s leadership role in national and continental climate-smart governance and innovation.
Her new role complements, without conflicting with, the statutory functions of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment. Rather, it elevates Osun’s diplomatic and strategic representation in international climate and clean energy engagements.
This appointment marks a critical step in Osun’s journey toward a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous green economy.
“The government congratulates Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe on this well-deserved appointment,” said Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Governor.
“Her leadership will further consolidate Osun’s gains in environmental stewardship, clean energy, and youth empowerment.”
