Adeleke urges S’West to embrace renewable energy

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the adoption of renewable energy sources to provide electricity across the six states of Nigeria’s South-West region.

 

Represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, Adeleke made the remarks in Osogbo on Tuesday while officially opening the South-West Post-Conference Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Renewable Energy.

 

The governor stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a pressing daily reality, and highlighted energy poverty as a fundamental human rights issue requiring urgent attention from all stakeholders.

 

“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,” Adeleke stated.

 

The governor also outlined plans to soon present the Draft Osun State Renewable Energy Policy, aimed at establishing a robust legislative and institutional framework for an inclusive energy transition at the subnational level.

 

Additionally, he revealed intentions to launch the Draft Osun State Climate Action Plan, developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities, and development partners.

 

He 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.”

 

Earlier, the Lead Technical Consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy to the Osun State Governor, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, described the roundtable as a forum for honest dialogue, technical exchange, and legislative clarity.

 

“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.

 

She stressed that the roundtable marks a critical turning point.

 

“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.”