The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has called for greater inclusion of women and host communities in global conversations on 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 a forum 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 is located 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, environmental restoration and a meaningful role in shaping the policies that will determine the future of energy.

The monarch also highlighted the critical role women play in sustaining communities affected by environmental degradation.

He noted that in many host communities, women are responsible for maintaining household food systems, managing water resources, supporting local markets and ensuring the wellbeing of families, even as environmental damage from energy activities affects them the most.

“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 said.

He stressed that empowering women in such communities requires more than symbolic inclusion.

“They need encouragement in every way — with words, with financial support, economic opportunities and access to health services,” he said.

The monarch warned that without such support, women who attend policy discussions or community engagements may be 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 take leadership roles in sectors that shape environmental stewardship and economic development.