Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has announced the establishment of the Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, demonstrating the state’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy initiatives.

The governor made the announcement during his speech at the World Environment Day program organized by the Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation in Osogbo, the state capital.

Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of sub-national entities taking an active role in tackling plastic pollution and climate change issues, rather than relying solely on national governments.

He highlighted the need for comprehensive plans of action at the state level and directed the Ministry of Environment to prepare an Osun State Action Plan Against Plastic Pollution within the next three months.

He said “As a state, we support the March 2022 resolution endorsed by 175 countries at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) to start negotiations on an international legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic waste and pollution in the environment.

“The resolution highlights the importance of sustainable production and consumption of plastics, including resource efficient and circular economy approaches.

“We are therefore challenged to devise holistic programme to counter this threat. We recommend a combination of waste prevention, alternative materials, waste management, and improved transparency of plastic supply chains.

“I am further directing the Ministry of Environment to prepare an Osun State Action Plan Against Plastic Pollution. The plan must embrace local and international best practices alongside an implementation plan with deliverables.

“The plan must be ready within the next three months so that implementation must commence in the last quarter of this year. By the 2024 celebration of World Environment Day, Osun must have achieved milestones in concerted efforts to control plastic pollution.

“Our ambition is to be a leading sub-national entity within Nigeria in the fight against plastic pollution as much as in the general climate action arena.

“It is that ambition that drives my approval of Osun Climate Change Agenda, the first comprehensive state climate plan in Nigeria. I therefore direct the Head of Service and the Ministry of Environment to put into effect the approvals on the Governor’s Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, the development of the State Climate Action Policy, the engagement of Climate Action consultant, the establishment of a Carbon Tracking Research unit at the Osun State University among others.

“To address the plastic pollution and the climate change question, sub-national entities cannot leave the issue to the national governments alone. State governments worldwide must rise up and create plans of action.”

Chairman of the Climate and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, commended the state government for its proactive stance in addressing climate change.

The council’s agenda focuses on various sectors, including disaster risk management, food and nutrition security, water and the blue economy, forestry, wildlife and tourism, health, sanitation and human settlements, business sector, energy, and transport.

Its objectives are to reduce risk and vulnerability to climate change, strengthen resilience, enhance well-being, and build the capacity to anticipate and respond successfully to climate-related changes.

The agenda highlights key action areas such as clean and renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency measures, transitioning the transportation sector, greenhouse emission management, and offsetting carbon emissions through the preservation of forests, croplands, wetlands, and urban greenspaces.

The state policy actions outlined in the agenda include updating or creating state regulations for the protection and conservation of vulnerable resources, providing support to communities and stakeholders through training and resources, creating management plans for natural resources and emergency response, promoting research and monitoring of climate change impacts, and engaging in outreach and education on climate change adaptation.

To facilitate effective implementation of the climate agenda, Governor Adeleke has approved the creation of a Governor’s Climate Advisory Council, engagement of a Lead Technical Consultant, development of a State Climate Action Plan, and the establishment of a Climate Carbon Data Research unit at the Osun State University.

Additionally, the state will partner with the business community to create a Business Carbon Project, rename the Ministry to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and pursue the enactment of the Osun Climate Action Act.

The Governor’s Climate Advisory Council is set to begin its coordination efforts, and the engagement of the Lead Technical Consultant is nearing completion.

The creation of the Department of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment is underway, and discussions with the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Business Carbon Project are ongoing.

Furthermore, Osun State will participate in the 28th Conference of the Parties (CoP28) in Dubai later this year, where it will present its state climate plan and advocate for increased roles for sub-national entities in global climate action plans.