The Osun State Government has approved the elevation of Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe to the position of Director-General and Special Envoy to the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
The government disclosed that the appointment by Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, reflects the state’s commitment to consolidating its leadership in climate governance and renewable energy innovation.
Prof. Obuaku-Igwe has, over the past years, gone beyond advisory functions to establish a comprehensive climate governance framework in Osun State.
Under her leadership, the state has reportedly made significant strides, including:
• Training more than 2,000 youths and women in circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives, leading to the creation of over 350 green SMEs.
• Establishing a recycling hub with FBRA and Waste Swap, processing mega tonnes of recyclables monthly and formalising more than 400 jobs.
• Implementing the IMOLE Solar Lantern Campaign, which has distributed over 10,000 solar lanterns to rural pupils, improving education outcomes and reducing household energy costs.
• Introducing an E-Bike Pilot Project that would reduce urban transport emissions while cutting operator fuel costs by 30%.
• Developing the Osun Climate Action Plan, Climate Smart Investment portfolio, Renewable Energy Policy, and Circular Economy Framework, pioneering sub-national climate policies in South West Nigeria.
• Representing Osun State at global and national platforms, including COP28 in Azerbaijan and the Citizens Lobby Conference in Washington DC, securing climate-linked investments.
These interventions have positioned Osun State as a pioneer in Nigeria’s green economy, contributing to an increase in sectoral GDP and creating over 2,500 jobs through clean energy, recycling, and sustainable mobility projects.
As Director-General & Special Envoy, Prof. Obuaku-Igwe will operate directly under the Governor, with a mandate to:
• Drive high-level partnerships with multilateral agencies, investors, and global climate networks.
• Coordinate the cross-sectoral implementation of Osun’s Climate Action Plan and renewable energy transition.
• Ensure Osun maintains its role as a national and continental leader in climate-smart governance.
This appointment complements, without conflict, the statutory functions of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment, while elevating Osun’s representation in international climate diplomacy.
The Government congratulates Prof. Obuaku-Igwe on the appointment and reaffirms its commitment to deepening Osun’s transition to a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous green economy.