Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) and Connected Advocacy, with support from the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform and in collaboration with the House Committee on Renewable Energy, convened on Friday, October 17, 2025, the “Merged-Zonal Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) Legislative Engagement and Green Jobs Fair”, in Benin City, Edo State.
The South West and South-South “Merged-Zonal APD Legislative Engagement, and Green Jobs Fair” showcased the zones as champions in renewable energy, green skills innovation, youth capacity to drive the nation’s green economic growth, and investment opportunities.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders from across the South-West and South-South zones, combined a focused legislative workshop in the session and a Green Jobs Fair matching employees/interns with the green sector players. The dialogue aimed to receive citizens’ recommendations into the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA) Bill, and the National Green Skills Employment Alliance (NGSEA), ensuring subnational contributions, ownership, and alignment between policy priorities, employment opportunities, and market-driven green skills.
The dialogue was declared open by Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, and his deputy, Iliyasu Aliyu Abubakar, Abra Dangnan, Deputy Chair of the CoP/APD Co-Lead, provided the Overview of the APD project and objectives for the merged-zonal conference and job fair.
Mr. Aniebiet Obot’s APD Co-lead gave a progress report on the APD methodology. Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, the organizing partner for the South-South South West Zonal Legislative Engagement and Green Job Fairs in Edo State.
Other dignitaries included Mr. Kenneth Iwoghiren, Director for Climate, representing the Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edo State; and Dr. Emeribe Chukwudi Nnaemeka,Chief Research Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria,
Osakwe Ize-Iyamu (Representative, NDDC Edo State); traditional ruler, Chief Kelvin Edegie, the Edegin N’ Useh; religious leader, Rev Ogakwu Abaros Simeon; the Immediate Past Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, led the goodwillmessages and shared insight into their various sectors’ recommendations, ensuring the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act Bills become a reality, looking at the various gaps that are required to cover to ensure inclusive implementation
The Green Jobs Fair Panel session was facilitated by Carl Oshodi-Isibor, and Mrs. Adesuwa James Jang, panelists were Prof. (Mrs.) Georgina Erifeta. Prof of Ecotoxicology and Ecological Biochemistry, Igbinedion University, Okada; Dr Ogiemwonyi Brightence, CEO of Brightence Electricals; Mrs. Edith Iyalomhe, CEO of Best-Cruse; Mrs. Irene Ipogah from NABTEB; Mr. Kenneth Iwoghiren, President Aigbokhan ED FOI, were other renewable energy companies present.
Their presence, according to the organisers, underscored the strong government, institutional, and community backing for Nigeria’s low-carbon transition toward a green and inclusive economy.
“The South Dialogue provided a bridge between legislative discourse and practical employment outcomes, reinforcing Nigeria’s national agenda for inclusive green growth. By linking policymakers, employers, and young talent, the dialogue demonstrated how subnational engagement can drive tangible progress toward a low-carbon, job-rich economy.
“With sustained collaboration, financing, and monitoring, the APD South Dialogue’s momentum will continue to shape policy implementation and deliver real impact in communities across Nigeria.,” they added.