Nigeria's Damilola Ogunbiyi named as UN special representative for sustainable energy

NIGERIA'S Damilola Ogunbiyi has been appointed as the United Nation's (UN) special representative for sustainable energy for all and the co-chair of the agency United Nations Energy For All by its secretary-general Antonio Guterres.

At the moment, Nigeria is enjoying its best time ever at the UN as Amina Mohammed currently serves as the deputy secretary-general and Tijjani Bande is the current president of the United Nations General Assembly. Ms Ogunbiyi succeeds Rachel Kyte of the UK, bringing extensive leadership experience and a track record of supporting energy access in sub-Saharan Africa to these roles.

She was the first woman to be appointed as managing director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency. In addition, she is also responsible for implementing the Nigerian Off Grid Electrification Programme and successfully negotiating the Nigerian Electrification Project, to rapidly construct solar mini-grids and deploy solar home systems across Nigeria.

Ms Ogunbiyi also developed the Energizing Economics Initiative and Energizing Education Programme, which provide sustainable and affordable off-grid power solutions. Before entering into government, Ms Ogunbiyi was the first woman to be appointed as the general manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, which is responsible for public lighting, independent power projects and energy development across the State.

Prior to this, she consulted for the United Kingdom Department for International Development on public-private partnerships. Ms. Ogunbiyi is also one of the commissioners for the Global Commission to End Energy Poverty.