By Abbas Nazil
Osun State has sealed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with women-led organizations while unveiling a pioneering waste-to-energy initiative, a move seen as a major step in advancing the Governor’s 5-Point Agenda on climate change and sustainable development.
The MoU, signed in Osogbo, brings together prominent groups including the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture, Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative, Osun State Women Farmers Co-operative Multipurpose Limited, Women in Mining Nigeria, National Council for Women Societies, Osogbo Chamber of Commerce (Women Members), and the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria.
These groups are now united under the Women in Climate Change, Circular Economy, Agriculture and Renewable Energy platform, also known as WICCARE, which will serve as the central hub for climate and renewable energy investors.
The initiative will open grant opportunities, strengthen advocacy, foster private sector collaboration, and deliver capacity-building workshops on modern farming, agro-processing, and market readiness.
It will also support demonstration farms that showcase sustainable practices while anchoring Osun’s waste-to-energy project within the state’s broader climate strategy.
During the session, Director-General and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, stressed the importance of inclusive growth and transparent decision-making.
A practical demonstration followed, led by Mr. Praise, who showcased cassava-to-bioethanol conversion.
The DG approved a state-level demo project with professional technical backing and announced its integration into the forthcoming Waste to Energy Training.
Professor Obuaku-Igwe described the partnership as more than an MoU, calling it a blueprint for women’s empowerment, circular economy transformation, and energy innovation in Osun State.
The agreements signed form the basis of the WICCARE Initiative, designed to drive equitable access, sustainable growth, and global partnerships while advancing renewable energy and environmental resilience in the state.
