Nigerian Bags Major Appointment With United Nations

A Nigerian, Damilola Ogunbiyi, has been named as Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) to the Secretary-General of United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres.

Also, she is now the and Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy, Naijaparry understands.

Guterres announced Ogunbiyi’s appointment in a statement on the UN website on Tuesday.

She will take over from Rachel Kyte of the United Kingdom as Special Representative, Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy, and CEO of SEforALL.

Guterres lauded Kyte for her service to the global body as well as her commitment.

“Ms Ogunbiyi brings extensive leadership experience and a track record of supporting energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa to these roles,” Guterres said.

“She was the first woman to be appointed as Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency.

“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.

“She also developed the Energising Economics Initiative and Energising Education Programme, which provide sustainable and affordable off-grid power solutions.

“Before joining the Federal Government of Nigeria, 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 serving millions of people across the state.

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“Prior to this, she consulted for the United Kingdom Department for International Development on public-private partnerships.

“Ms Ogunbiyi is a globally respected leader with a broad and diverse international network in the area of energy development, which includes key relationships with leading multilateral and bilateral partners and the private sector.

“She is also one of the Commissioners for the Global Commission to End Energy Poverty.”

While reacting to the appointment, Ogunbiyi tweeted that it is an honour for him to join SEforALL.

“I’m very proud to announce I have been appointed the new SEforALLorg CEO and Special Representative of the UN SG for Sustainable Energy for All,” she said.

“As the world faces ongoing development challenges, it’s a true honor to join SEforALL & lead #SDG7 efforts

“I am looking forward to working with Antonio Guterres, the #SDG7 movement, SEforALL partners and the UN member states to make faster #SDG7 progress and leave no one behind in the energy transition.

“There’s a lot of work to do, and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you to former SEforALLorg CEO and UN SRSG Rachel Kyyte for her inspiring leadership that helped establish SEforALL as a leading voice of the #SDG7 movement – a forever partner, advocate and friend of SEforALL. Congratulations on your new role at Fletcher School!”