Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has been appointed by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) as its global advisor to assist the organisation’s mission of accelerating clean energy deployment in developing countries.
In a statement on Tuesday, the alliance said that Nigeria’s former number two man will support GEAPP’s partnership with governments to enhance the enabling environment and delivery effectiveness to unlock faster and greater capital flows into the clean energy sector.
“He will also continue his activity as a leading advocate for ‘Just Energy Transitions in Africa’, including scaling up Africa’s share of the global carbon market via the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), the group added.
GEAPP is an alliance of philanthropy, governments in emerging and developed economies, and technology, policy, and financing partners.
Its common mission is to enable emerging economies to shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that accelerates universal energy access and inclusive economic growth, while supporting the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.
The group aims to reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions, expand clean energy access to one billion people, and enable 150 million new jobs in partnership with IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund.
The GEAPP also recalled that in May, Osinbajo was also confirmed as lead for the Commonwealth general election observers in Sierra Leone.
Prior to joining GEAPP, Osinbajo, it said, served for eight years as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and previously as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State.
An accomplished lawyer, Osinbajo, it said, holds the distinguished title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. During his time in public service, Prof. Osinbajo, it added, pioneered several people-centred initiatives and programmes, including addressing access to justice, energy access and social investments.
It added that the former vice president is one of Nigeria’s leading legal experts and has served as Professor of Law and head of department at the University of Lagos.
The alliance stated that the appointment underlines GEAPP’s commitment to partnering with governments and communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to transition to clean energy systems that are driving economic growth, generating jobs and sustainable livelihoods, and helping to meet urgent climate goals during the next decade.
It quoted Osinbajo while accepting the appointment as having said: “I am honoured by the opportunity to join this movement for green energy access. GEAPP’s collaborative model, sense of urgency, and focus on unlocking systemic change is well aligned with the ambitions of emerging economies as they seek a greener future for their citizens. GEAPP’s vision for change is ambitious.
“That is entirely fitting; if we’re to achieve our twin goals of universal energy access and climate change action, while transforming the lives of millions, then we must set our sights high.”
On his Twitter handle, Osinbajo said: “I am excited to announce that I have been appointed Global Advisor to Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet @EnergyAlliance. Together, we will work to unlock capital flows into the clean energy sector and boost Africa’s share in the global carbon market through #ACMI
“GEAPP in such a short period has demonstrated a commitment to support developing countries’ shift to a clean energy using models that ensure universal energy access as well as drive economic growth, generate jobs & sustainable livelihoods and meet urgent climate goals. I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with @EnergyAlliance,” he stated.
GEAPP Chief Executive, Simon Harford, in his comments, described Osinbajo as a role model for public service, explaining that his broad global network and relationships will be a valuable catalyst in GEAPP’s mission.
“For many years His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has been a respected role model of public service at the forefront of policy formulation and implementation on crucial developmental issues relating to national planning, climate change, enabling the business and investment environment, governance, and social investment.
“His professional expertise and leadership, alongside his broad global network and relationships, will be a valuable catalyst in GEAPP’s mission for affordable access to clean energy and a just transition for all,” he added. The group stressed that Osinbajo’s role begins with immediate effect.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
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