Recap of Activities of the Office of Consultant to Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy in 2024 and Projection for 2025

Below is a recap of Activities of the Office of Consultant to Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Office of the Governor, in 2024 and the Projection for 2025.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

• December 12: Received equipment (40-ton imported baling machine, a brand-new generator, and a tricycle) from the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to kickstart the Osun Recycling and Circular Economy Hub in Osogbo, Ede, Ife, and Ilesa.

• December 10: Represented Osun State at the Inter-Ministerial Meeting organized by the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government to plan the Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Green Investment Summit (March 2025).

• November 28: Participated in the Inaugural International Hydrogen Conference organized by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to discuss governance and policy in Nigeria’s hydrogen sector.

• November 12–16: Represented Osun State at COP29 in Azerbaijan and hosted a side event on transforming the Onibueja Dumpsite into a Sustainable Urban Park.

• October 24: Convened the first-ever meeting with environmental NGOs in Osun State, focusing on climate change and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

• September 20: Engaged with the DGB Group on reforesting degraded areas of Shasha Forest to restore biodiversity, combat climate change, and involve local communities.

• September 3: Organized the inaugural inter-agency workshop on climate action in Osun State, bringing together Climate Change Desk Officers to address climate challenges collaboratively.

• August 21: Represented Osun State at the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) data analysis and MRV challenges workshop organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in Abuja.

• August 9: Launched the Osun climate-smart investment portfolio, targeting adaptation and mitigation projects across various sectors.

• August 8: Held a strategic meeting with the Ministry of Environment and sustainability expert Mr. Taiwo Adewola, discussing the establishment of the Osun Recycling and Circular Economy Hub, planning the ‘So Doti Dowo’ Waste Management Summit, and securing funding to empower 100 waste pickers.

• June: Represented Osun State at the Citizens Climate Lobby Inter-Parliamentary Meeting in Washington, DC, advancing climate action advocacy on an international platform.

FOCUS FOR 2025

1. Launch and Expand Projects:

• Officially commission the Osun Recycling and Circular Economy Hub and our Climate Action Plan in early 2025.
• Organize and host the ‘So Doti Dowo’ Waste Management Summit in April.
• Pilot reforestation efforts in Shasha Forest and other critical areas and launch waste to energy projects

2. Climate-Smart Advocacy:

• Strengthen community-based climate action by implementing the women climate ambassadors and school leaders initiative across Osun State.
• Partner with environmental NGOs to execute grassroots initiatives with measurable impact.

3. Policy and Investment:

• Develop investment-ready green portfolios for the Africa Infrastructure Summit in March.
• Advocate for more federal support in climate adaptation and mitigation through inter-ministerial engagement.

4. Global Engagement:
• Represent Osun at international climate conferences, sharing progress and attracting funding for projects like the urban park transformation at Onibueja Dumpsite.

5. Capacity Building:
• Organize workshops for Climate Change Desk Officers and NGOs to strengthen their capacity for climate-smart solutions.

What the Public Should Expect in 2025

The Office of the Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy will:

• Deliver innovative and sustainable solutions like the Recycling and Circular Economy Hub.
• Empower local communities, particularly women, through targeted initiatives.
• Position Osun as a subnational leader in climate-smart policies and infrastructure.
• Engage stakeholders at national and international levels to attract investments for green projects.
• Foster collaboration to create measurable, lasting impacts on the environment and local livelihoods.

2025 is set to be a transformative year for climate action in Osun State. Together, we will ensure a greener, more sustainable future for all!

Signed
Prof Chinwe Obuaku
Consultant to Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy