The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called for greater inclusion of women and host communities in global conversations around the energy transition, stressing that those who bear the greatest environmental burden must have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of energy systems.
The monarch made the call while speaking as a panellist at the convening titled “Powering Progress: Centring Gender in the Just Energy Transition,” held at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice in New York City.
The event brought together global leaders, policy experts, and advocates to examine how women can move from the margins of environmental impact to positions of leadership in climate response, energy systems, and community development.
Speaking from the perspective of a traditional ruler whose kingdom lies within one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing regions, the monarch emphasised that a truly just energy transition must recognise the lived realities of host communities.
“As custodian of the Warri Kingdom, a just energy transition must include the voices of those who live closest to its consequences,” the Olu said.
According to him, communities whose lands have sustained energy production for generations deserve partnership, restoration, and a meaningful role in shaping the policies that will determine the future of energy.
The monarch particularly highlighted the critical role women play in sustaining communities affected by environmental degradation.
Within many host communities, he noted, women are responsible for maintaining household food systems, managing water resources, supporting local markets, and ensuring the wellbeing of families.
He said environmental damage from energy activities often hits them the hardest.
“This is the reality of the common Itsekiri man. In many of these isolated places, the men have gone to hustle, as we say, and the women are the ones left behind to make things work. They literally bear the brunt of it all.”
He stressed that empowering women within such communities requires more than symbolic inclusion.
“They need encouragement in every way with words, with financial opportunity, with economic opportunity, and access to health,” he said.
The monarch warned that without these forms of support, women who attend policy discussions or community engagements may find themselves unable to advocate effectively for change.
“Otherwise, if they show up with all the things I have said, what do they do? They just give way. There is no pushback,” he added.
The Olu of Warri also urged institutions, governments and industry leaders to deliberately create pathways for women to lead in sectors that shape environmental stewardship and economic development.
