As energy poverty continues to grip communities across Nigeria, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has urged southwest states to embrace renewable energy to provide electricity.
Governor Adeleke, speaking through his deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, at the South-West Post-Conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy in Osogbo, described the energy crisis as not just an infrastructure gap, but a violation of basic rights.
According to him, “In this region, richly endowed with sunlight, wind, and innovation, it is deeply concerning that many communities still remain in darkness.
“The time for waiting has passed; localised action is imperative. We must power the South-West sustainably. In Osun State, we are embracing bold, evidence-based, and people-centred solutions.
“Today, we unveil our Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio, a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the circular economy,” He added.
The governor further disclosed that the Draft Osun State Renewable Energy Policy would soon be introduced, with the goal of creating a strong legislative and institutional base to drive an inclusive energy shift within the state.
He also announced plans to roll out the Draft Osun State Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive document shaped through collaboration with experts, local communities, and development stakeholders.
Gov Adeleke added, “We are equally proud to introduce the IMOLE Solar Lantern Project, a practical and symbolic initiative for last-mile energy access. ‘One Child, One Lantern’ is our promise. Every child deserves light to study, dream, and grow, regardless of location or background.”
Speaking earlier at the event, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, the Lead Technical Consultant to the governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, emphasized the urgency of translating policy dialogue into subnational action.
According to her, “We will listen, challenge each other, and leave with a shared understanding of what it takes to enact sub-national renewable energy frameworks that are ambitious, bankable, and just,” Obuaku said.
“Following the momentum of the Renewable Energy Conference, we must ask: What next? How do we translate shared vision into state-backed action? How do we ensure national policies, from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) to the Climate Change Act, become tangible instruments for job creation, clean energy access, and inclusive growth in Osun and the wider South-West?
“As Lead Consultant, I have engaged deeply with diverse actors — from lawmakers to community stakeholders, private sector pioneers to youth advocates. The truth is clear: we are ready. We have the intellect, infrastructure, and institutional awareness that renewable energy is not a luxury but a necessity.”
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Egbedun, said the Assembly is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government and development partners to enact laws that attract investors and support solar and waste-to-energy projects in communities.
He added that the youth are eager to engage and contribute to the green economy.
Egbedun also commended Governor Adeleke for his efforts in addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.
