Oghosa on inspiring the next generation of professionals working towards climate action in the Global South

I qualified as a barrister and solicitor from the Nigerian Law School in 2019, but before that I got my undergraduate degree at the University of Derby, and then my Masters in Oil, Gas and Mining Law from Nottingham Law School, which really opened my eyes to the possibilities in sustainability specially focused on the energy and power systems. When I was venturing into this space I often heard ‘stick to being a lawyer’ and ‘not having engineering background that would be tough!’ But I knew I was going to figure it out, with my earliest role working as a programme analyst for power systems and electricity markets.  

The LDES Council is a global non-profit with over 60 members in 20 countries. The Council works to accelerate the decarbonisation of our world through the acceleration of long-duration energy storage. It provides member-driven, fact-based guidance and research to governments, grid operators and major electricity users on the deployment of long-duration energy storage for society’s benefit. My role as Policy Officer is supporting the ecosystem; determining finance, needs and deployment for LDES alongside industry and national decarbonisation priorities.  

Not exclusively. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the international energy and sustainability space, shaping impactful initiatives since 2018. My work with the organisations you mentioned reflects the global complexities of the energy transition, but it has also made clear that the Global South requires far greater focus. These regions cannot be expected to follow the same pathways as advanced economies, particularly given differences in energy market dynamics, climate vulnerabilities, and sustainable development needs. 

What is encouraging is that we are already seeing systems change, with countries introducing net-zero priorities and advancing decarbonisation strategies. Drawing on my experiences, I have witnessed how Global South countries can chart unique, inclusive paths toward transformation, expanding access to reliable, low-carbon energy and contributing to global climate goals. That is why, although all of my professional work now is not limited to the Global South, it consistently engages with the region’s distinct challenges and opportunities as an essential dimension of the global energy transition. 

It is called Global Tales of Carbon Transition, which I co-host with my colleagues Erik Rakhou, Joachim von Scheele and Jaqueline Santos Ruas Pinto. We’re all authors in the published two series called Touching Hydrogen Future in 2022 and 2024, which has been such a great success. We worked so well together that we started the podcast in March. What we aim to do is bring those conversations from the 10,000 feet high to step-to-step realities. It’s a host of the not-so typical decarbonisation stories and our coffee machine thoughts. I recently got recognised for an Environmental Hero in Africa off the podcast – so we are very thrilled to see how far we get. 

Yes, absolutely. People are far more eco-conscious than they used to be. Particularly young people, as they are experiencing the real repercussions of climate change and increased waste in their own communities. This shift is not unique to Nigeria but is echoed across many countries. Many of today’s decision-makers may not be in positions of influence 20–25 years from now, which makes the emergence of young climate champions even more impressive. The Lagos Climate Network exists to harness this momentum connecting these rising voices with established professionals to drive collective, lasting climate action. 

Yes, much of the green skills gap stems from our educational systems. Take engineering in Nigeria, for example: a degree typically takes five years. If a student begins in 2024 and graduates in 2030, the sustainability space and energy industry will looks entirely different by then. Unless curricula and modules are designed to be adaptive, forward-looking, and responsive to emerging trends, we risk preparing students for a competitive workforce without equipping them with the tools they need.  

One thing that has really helped me balance my commitments and the hats I wear is being intentional about accounting for and logging everything I do. I’ve also learned to structure my weeks into segments, which allows me to prioritise effectively and create space for different responsibilities. 

At the same time, I make it a point to remain accessible—especially to younger professionals who are navigating career transitions into energy and climate. Beyond my core work, I also enjoy serving as an advisory member with MENTEE Global, which does phenomenal work connecting mentors to marginalised communities. Creating structure while staying open to people has been key to managing both impact and balance.