By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
As the world marked World Clean Energy Day, Hon. Colin Tenebe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change and Green Economy, has underscored the strategic importance of renewable energy to Edo State’s sustainable development agenda.
Hon. Tenebe made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Secretariat Complex, where he stressed that Edo State must embrace sustainable energy practices to secure long-term economic growth and strengthen environmental resilience.
While noting that clean energy adoption is not only an environmental priority but also a critical step toward reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change, he said, “Everyone involved in renewable energy must ensure their practices are sustainable,”
According to him, the transition to renewable energy requires collective commitment from all sectors, including government institutions, private enterprises and local communities, to ensure that clean energy solutions are practical, inclusive and impactful.
World Clean Energy Day, he noted, provides an important platform to raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and its potential to drive both social and economic transformation.
Hon. Tenebe further emphasized that equitable access to clean energy is vital in bridging the urban-rural energy divide, where dependence on traditional energy sources continues to limit growth and opportunity in many communities.
He explained that renewable energy, if properly harnessed, can stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and strengthen local economies across the state.
Looking ahead, Hon. Tenebe called for strategic planning that incorporates innovative technologies, sustainable policies and incentives that will make renewable energy adoption more accessible and attractive to investors and citizens alike.
He expressed confidence that Edo State has the potential to become a model for clean energy integration in Nigeria, provided there is strong collaboration, increased investment and sustained public awareness.
The observance of World Clean Energy Day, he concluded, serves as both a reminder and a call to action. For Edo State, renewable energy is not merely an environmental concern but a cornerstone for long-term development, social progress and economic prosperity. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering broad participation across all sectors, the state can reduce its environmental footprint, bridge energy gaps and build a cleaner, more resilient future for all citizens.
