The Sustainable Energy for All Reappoints Damilola Ogunbiyi for Second Five-year Term

Goddy Egene

The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Governance Board has approved the reappointment of Ms. Damilola  Ogunbiyi for a second five-year term as chief executive officer (CEO) following great strides the organisation made under her leadership in the first five years.

SEforALL is an international organisation that works in partnership with the United Nations (UN) and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. SEforALL works to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential.

Recognised as a trailblaser during her first term, which began in 2020, Ogunbiyi, who is the first CEO, led the expansion of  SEforALL’s global influence and country support, providing clear pathways to accelerate progress towards universal energy access and advancing a just and equitable energy transition in countries that stand at the greatest risk of being left behind.

In this period, SEforALL, through a range of innovative programmes and initiatives, established working relationships with over 200 partners, and supported over 90 countries globally.

 According to a statement from the organisation, reacting to her reappointment,  Ogunbiyi was quoted to have said: “It is an honour to be appointed for a second five-year term as the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All. I look forward to continuing my SEforALL and UN Energy roles and working with leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to end energy poverty and accelerate a just and equitable energy transition.

“I am committed to working with countries around the world, ensuring that all people irrespective of where they currently live, can lead dignified, productive and healthy lives powered by sustainable energy.”

Commenting on Ogunbiyi’s re-appointment, President Bola Tinubu was quoted as saying  that the development was not just a win for Nigeria but for the world as well.

 “With the support of Sustainable Energy for All, the Nigerian Government designed the first-of-its-kind Energy Transition Plan to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change and to deliver SDG7 by 2030 and net zero by 2060.

“Through Damilola’s leadership, SEforALL continues to offer support to the country through the Energy Transition Office as well as through programmes such as the Universal Energy Facility. Her reappointment is not only a win for Nigeria but a win for the world,” Tinubu stated.

Similarly, Chair, Governance Board, SEforALL, Francesco Starace, said: “Sustainable energy is the solution we need to stave off the climate crisis and build a better future for both people and planet.

“And that is why the right leadership is necessary to lead Sustainable Energy for All, which is mobilising finance and partnerships to help countries achieve their energy, climate and development goals. Damilola has been this kind of leader, focused on impact and going beyond rhetoric.

“As a Governance Board, we are confident that she provides the leadership needed to take Sustainable Energy for All to the next level.”

Also speaking, President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “Sustainable Energy for All is forging strategic partnerships and alliances for expanding sustainable energy solutions.

“Damilola’s reappointment at Sustainable Energy for All will further support our collective efforts to develop and scale up sustainable energy solutions in Africa.”

On her part, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley,  said: “Barbados has an ambitious target of reaching 100 percent renewable energy and full electrification of our island’s transport sector by 2030, and Sustainable Energy for All through Damilola’s leadership, is supporting the country to develop its Energy Transition and Investment Plan, which will help Barbados build clean energy systems.

“I welcome Damilola’s reappointment and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Also, Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, submitted that, “Ghana’s commitment to a just and equitable energy transition has translated to an ambitious plan that builds a case for change across Ghana’s entire energy system.

“The plan would not have been possible without the support and commitment of key partners such as Sustainable Energy for All. Through Damilola’s leadership, this relationship continues to be instrumental in driving sustainable development in Ghana, and I welcome the CEO’s reappointment as she continues to steer this great organisation.”

“Congratulations on your reappointment Damilola. Your dedication and strategic insight have been an invaluable resource to the World Bank and the Private Sector Investment Lab.

“I look forward to continue working with you on the Lab and other initiatives to mobilise private capital for financing urgent development challenges in emerging markets,” President, World Bank Group, Ajay Banga stated in his reaction while Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, said “The world doesn’t have to choose between ending energy poverty and slowing the climate crisis.”