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Experts Call for Youth Upskilling to Meet Global Demands at COP29 Side Event
At the just-concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) side event, organized by Vivacity Development in collaboration with Ororo Waste Management, key participants emphasized the urgent need for youth upskilling and reskilling—particularly among Nigerian and African youth—to meet global demands in the evolving green economy.
The event, which attracted prominent personalities from diverse fields, focused on the future of work, highlighting how societies can adapt to shifts in green industries, embrace innovative solutions, and equip workforces with essential green skills.
Marianne Overton, spokesperson on climate and energy for the Council of Europe Municipalities and Regions, underscored the importance of environmental security and education as drivers of sustainable change. “Education is the precursor of real change and the tool that makes it happen. Partnerships between businesses and colleges can empower local economies by creating smarter workforce solutions,” she noted. Overton also pointed to growth areas like renewable energy, waste management, and climate finance, stressing that all jobs will eventually require “green” credentials.
Mr. Olumide Idowu, Executive Director of ICCDI Africa, highlighted the role of civil society organizations in promoting access to green skills training for underrepresented communities. He encouraged youth to take proactive steps in sustainable development through innovative strategies and partnerships.
Innocent Edemhanria, Programme Manager of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), shared insights into innovative solutions to environmental challenges, emphasizing reforestation, mangrove restoration, and sustainable agriculture. He highlighted how renewable energy initiatives like solar microgrids and biogas created jobs and reduced fossil fuel dependence. Oil spill prevention through bioremediation and smart monitoring was also discussed. Edemhanria noted that investing in clean energy technologies and renewables supported sustainability and job creation.
Fred Njehu, Pan-Africa Political Strategist at Greenpeace Africa, stressed the importance of collaborative political strategies in fostering sustainable development and green job creation. He shared examples of Greenpeace Africa’s initiatives to advance environmental sustainability and boost economic opportunities in the green sector.
Sohaila Nasser, Development Coordinator and Sustainability Specialist at YLE Foundation, discussed the integration of green skills in industries resistant to adopting sustainable practices. She shared innovative initiatives aimed at equipping the workforce with skills needed for the green economy’s demands.
Major partner and collaborator, Ororo Waste Management in its showcase of its biofuels feedstock aggregation activities in Nigeria, showed the viability of good carbon projects on the continent.
Their work in the aggregation and processing of feedstock has the potential for large scale green job creation and capacity building and green technology development in Nigeria.
Engr. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, the convener of the COP29 side event, emphasized the transformative impact of the event’s resolutions on millions of youth across Africa. She called on governments to domesticate the ideas developed at the conference to align with their countries’ unique demands.
With the rapid advancements in green technology and the growing emphasis on sustainability, participants urged stakeholders to act swiftly in equipping the workforce with relevant skills, ensuring global competitiveness, and fostering a sustainable future.
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Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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