System Analyst
March 20, 2025
Osun State Champions Subnational Climate Action as Government Officials Receive Climate Change Ambassador Awards
NEWS RELEASE
OSOGBO – 19/03/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng
The Osun State Government continues to lead the charge in climate action as two of its distinguished officials, alongside renowned climate expert Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, were honoured with the prestigious Climate Action Ambassador Award at the 5th Annual Conference of the Society for Climate Action in Nigeria (SCAN), held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy to the Osun State Government, and Hon. Bamikole Omisore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations, were recognised for their exceptional contributions to climate action in Osun State and Nigeria.
Themed “Climate Change Impacts, Smart Strategies, and Sustainable Linkages for Development,” the conference brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the environmental sector to discuss innovative solutions for mitigating climate change.
Professor Obuaku-Igwe was honoured for her dedication to advancing climate change initiatives and promoting renewable energy solutions in Osun State and beyond. Similarly, Hon. Omisore was recognised for his strategic leadership in integrating climate action into sustainable development policies.
As part of the conference, Professor Obuaku-Igwe delivered a compelling presentation titled “Bridging Policy and Implementation Gaps: Subnational Climate Action for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” She emphasized the urgent need for state and local governments to move beyond policies and take tangible action in the fight against climate change.
“Climate action does not happen in Abuja alone—it happens in states, local governments, and communities,” Professor Obuaku-Igwe stated. “Osun State is demonstrating that with the right policies, partnerships, and investments, subnational governments can lead the way in climate governance and green economic transformation.”
During the presentation, she outlined key strategies for closing the gap between climate policy and implementation at the state level, including:
• Strengthening institutional frameworks by establishing climate resilience offices at the state level.
• Expanding climate financing through state-led green bonds and public-private partnerships.
• Enhancing capacity building for local government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
• Leveraging digital solutions to track climate adaptation projects and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Fostering grassroots engagement by empowering women and youth as climate champions.
Osun State’s PET bottle collection-for-cash initiative, which has successfully reduced plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities, was highlighted as a model for sustainable waste management. Additionally, lessons from South Africa’s climate governance at the provincial level were shared, showcasing how state-led climate action can attract international funding and drive economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the President of SCAN emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change and commended the Osun State Government for its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. The awards further reinforce Osun’s position as a front-runner in climate resilience and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Distinguished Osun State Officials in Attendance
Other Osun State Government officials present at the conference included:
• Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, Osun State Commissioner for Environment
• Hon. Azeez Badmus, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy
• Permanent Secretary and Director of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment
• General Manager, Osun State Waste Management Agency
• Director of Environmental Health, Osun State
Other Award Recipients
In addition to Professor Obuaku-Igwe and Hon. Omisore, other honourees at the event included:
• Dr. Muhammad Salisu Khalil (FAIWMES), Executive Secretary, Kano State Watershed and Climate Change Management Agency
• Prof. M.K. Yahaya, Executive Secretary, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee
• Hon. Hamza Suleiman, Honourable Commissioner of Environment, Katsina State
As Osun State advances its Climate Action Plan and further integrates circular economy models, the government remains committed to ensuring that climate action is not just a policy statement but a tangible reality. Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration continues to prioritize environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and community-led solutions as key pillars of Osun’s development agenda.
Osun State is at the forefront of subnational climate governance in Nigeria, implementing policies and programs that drive sustainability, renewable energy transition, and climate resilience. Through strategic partnerships and innovation, Osun is fostering a green economy that benefits both the environment and its people.
E-Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment
