The announcement was made in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Friday in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the development underscores the state’s commitment to consolidating its leadership in climate governance and renewable energy innovation.

Obuaku-Igwe, the statement revealed, “has played a key role in shaping Osun’s climate governance framework, moving beyond advisory duties to implement impactful programmes across the state”.

“Under her leadership, over 2,000 youths and women have been trained in circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives, leading to the creation of more than 350 green small and medium-sized enterprises.”

The government highlighted the establishment of a recycling hub in partnership with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, FBRA, and Waste Swap, which processes large volumes of recyclables monthly and has created over 400 formal jobs.

“Other initiatives include the IMOLE Solar Lantern Campaign, which has distributed more than 10,000 solar lanterns to pupils in rural areas, reducing household energy costs and improving education outcomes.

“She also introduced an electric bike pilot project designed to reduce urban transport emissions while cutting fuel costs for operators by up to 30 per cent.

“Prof. Obuaku-Igwe has further overseen the development of the Osun Climate Action Plan, Renewable Energy Policy, Climate Smart Investment portfolio, and Circular Economy Framework, placing Osun at the forefront of sub-national climate policy in South-West Nigeria.

“She has represented Osun at international and national forums, including COP28 in Azerbaijan and the Citizens Lobby Conference in Washington DC, securing climate-linked investments for the state.

“In her new role, the Director-General will report directly to the Governor, with a mandate to drive partnerships with multilateral agencies, investors, and climate networks, as well as coordinate the cross-sectoral implementation of Osun’s Climate Action Plan,” the statement added.

The government emphasised that the appointment complements the statutory functions of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Environment, while enhancing Osun’s role in international climate diplomacy.

Their petition further demanded that “the Benue State House of Assembly immediately move in and take over the Otukpo legislative council and allow the councillors conduct their regular sessions under the watchful and protective eyes of the House of Assembly.”

Reacting, Ogiri confirmed awareness of the petition but insisted that the earlier letter citing security concerns had been withdrawn.

He explained that the suspension of legislative activities was instead due to ongoing repairs at the dilapidated council chamber, while the temporary hall is currently occupied by the Idoma Area Traditional Council and the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for traditional stool selections.

Ogiri himself had earlier faced a six-month suspension recommendation for alleged misconduct, later reduced to one month by Governor Alia.

The new Speaker, Alfred Emberger, lifted that suspension after about a week. Ogiri maintained he did not disobey the deputy governor’s directive to maintain the status quo, arguing the order came before his official resumption earlier in the week.