Former Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed Global Advisor for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). This was announced during a media briefing organised by GEAPP in Lagos.
GEAPP is an alliance of philanthropy, local entrepreneurs, governments, technology, policy, and financing partners.
Their mission is to support developing countries’ shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that ensures universal energy access, unlocking a new era of inclusive economic growth while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.
“I’m particularly happy that I will be working with GEAPP in particular because of the great work they’ve done in partnership,” Osinbajo said. “The solution to some of the issues that we’re going to find in climate change going forward, cannot be done by any one country, any one individual, or any one organization. Partnership must be at the core, and we must find ways that have been effective in building those partnerships and making those partnerships work.”
Osinbajo’s role will involve supporting GEAPP’s efforts to accelerate the deployment of clean energy in developing countries, particularly through partnerships with governments, creating an enabling environment, and facilitating capital flows into the clean energy sector, as well as continuing his advocacy for Just Energy Transitions in Africa, including his involvement with the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI).
Also at the event, Simon Harford, CEO, GEAPP, acknowledged Osinbajo’s expertise, leadership, and global network, emphasizing that his appointment would greatly contribute to GEAPP’s mission of providing affordable access to clean energy and facilitating a just transition for all.
“The global advisory role Osinbajo is occupying is not honourary but crucial and practical, given the pernicious challenge of energy poverty in Nigeria. We need everyone to actively participate and fulfil their roles,” he said. “His Excellency can provide support in areas where his experience and strengths lie, such as working with governments to enhance their effectiveness in driving energy transition across ministries and agencies.”
Further, Harford said “His track record of getting things done in challenging governance environments serves as a role model for progress. Additionally, he is already involved in the initiative to build a common market system for Africa, which is gaining significant momentum. As a catalyst and partner in this coalition, he can help accelerate progress.”
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 pic.twitter.com/iZpiNPzdaA
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) July 11, 2023
Prior to joining GEAPP, Osinbajo served as Vice President of Nigeria for eight years and held positions such as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State. He is a renowned legal expert and has served as a Professor of Law at the University of Lagos.
