Osun State has achieved a significant milestone in environmental governance, soaring from 30th to 6th position in the 2nd Edition of the Sub-national Climate Governance Performance Ranking Report.
The report, backed by the Federal Government and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), provides a critical assessment of climate policy implementation and institutional frameworks across Nigerian states.
The state’s total score of 265 marks an exceptional leap in performance, solidifying its status as the second-best performing state in the South-West region, only trailing Lagos State.
This remarkable improvement is attributed to the vision and strategic investments of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, whose administration has embedded climate change, circular economy, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability as core pillars of governance.
Under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, the state implemented several key initiatives including significantly increasing budgetary allocation to climate change projects, establishing a dedicated Department of Climate Change and Renewable Energy within the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, and integrating climate education and environmental awareness into schools.
Further strengthening its framework, the administration began conducting regular capacity building for state and local climate officers and enhanced coordination with the Federal Ministry of Environment and international agencies.
The state also received high marks nationwide for its online visibility concerning climate change governance, indicating a greater focus on transparency and public engagement in its environmental programs.
The achievement was celebrated at the report’s unveiling in Abuja, which was attended by the Honourable Minister of Environment and the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Osun State’s award was received by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation and the Director of Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
They dedicated the recognition to the people of Osun State and Governor Adeleke, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to climate action.
Special commendation was given to Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, whose leadership and strategic coordination were instrumental in elevating Osun State’s national profile in climate governance.
Osun State reaffirmed its commitment to advancing its climate action agenda, renewable energy transition, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable development programs to ensure a greener, cleaner, and more resilient future.