FORWARD Spotlight: From Law to Sustainability-A Journey of Advocacy, Leadership, and Impact. An Interview with Caleb Adebayo

CALEB ADEBAYO is a legal professional, environmental advocate, and founder of Earthplus, an organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions. With a distinguished career spanning law and sustainability, Caleb has worked on complex projects like data center securitization and is a vocal proponent of ESG standards in finance.

Growing up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a region deeply affected by environmental pollution, Caleb was inspired early on to champion environmental causes. His journey, marked by a strong foundation in law and a passion for clean energy, has positioned him as a leading voice in sustainable development. Caleb Adebayo

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria to a pastor father and teacher mother, I eventually left for undergrad in Ife at Obafemi Awolowo University where I studied law, and after that to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. I would thereafter start my law career in Lagos and some three years later, move to New York City for my Masters in Law at New York University.
Growing up in a city (Port Harcourt) that was fraught with the effects of environmental pollution, and growing up with parents who believed in God, order and doing what was right taught me to fight for the environment against the odds. Hence, I have had a keen interest in environmental sustainability since I was a kid. Doing what I do today is no surprise to me or those who know me.

Could you share what initially inspired you to study law and if there was a specific case or milestone that solidified your career path?

The law path as a profession for me was a result of two things: first, a passion to see justice done, and second (but more importantly), God telling me it was my path. I was originally going to be an aeronautic engineer (given I was good in both arts and sciences, I was going to go with the sciences), but in my JS3 (9th grade), I went on a personal spiritual retreat, seeking God’s face for the next phase of my life and came out clear as day that God wanted me to study law. And I’ve never looked back since.

As an advocate for sustainable development, what role do you think ESG plays in shaping a responsible future for finance?

I think ESG standards and frameworks help set responsible and sustainable standards for where money goes. There is a common aphorism about following the money when trying to find something elusive – money often makes or breaks deals. ESG standards help ensure the money is going to environmentally friendly and climate friendly goals, thus moving the needle in the direction of the transition.
ESG is still on its way to having globally agreed and accepted standards, so I think there is still quite the journey there, but there is progress.

What has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects you’ve worked on so far?

In my prior role at A&O Shearman, I worked on a deal that involved the securitization of data center receivables (my first time with that asset class). That was very challenging given it was my first time with the asset class and also given the many moving parts in data center securitization, including coordinating with State counsel with respect to land-related issues for the various data centers across various States, but it was extremely rewarding. Apart from the fact that not many lawyers understand and have worked on data center securitization, hence giving me a very coveted experience, the data centers were 100% net zero – right down my clean energy alley!

Can you tell us about Earthplus, what inspired you to start it, and how you have managed to balance your corporate role with your passion for environmental advocacy as its founder?

I started Earthplus as a response to a problem I was seeing without solutions. As an undergraduate, I had taken environmental law as a class and learned about the unfortunate environmental pollution happening with impunity in Nigeria, particularly in South West Nigeria, despite the laws in place. Earthplus was born out of a need to address those problems in the most creative ways possible.

I have a great team of people at Earthplus – leadership team, focal points and volunteers – that make the dream work and enable me to contribute to the work, while still having a full corporate life. My wife is also a great support system and a part of this team. That is not to say that it isn’t still quite the uphill task, but I have long learned to sacrifice many other pleasures others take in order to have more time to give back to what I love. It also means I have to be very strict with what I do with my time, a discipline I had to learn early in life and that I am still learning.

What knowledge won’t get you, relationships will. Build a solid network – mentors, mentees, friends, co-workers etcTake a genuine interest in building relationships. Get your head out of the sand of your workspace and get to know the people around you.

What advice would you give to young professionals pursuing a similar career path as you and who or what has been your biggest influence professionally and personally?

I’ll say two things: keep learning; whether by doing, studying or gleaning from the experiences of others. With the pace at which the world is moving, there is always something new to learn. And the only way you stay ahead is through knowledge.

Second thing is, build a solid network – mentors, mentees, friends, co-workers etc. Take a genuine interest in building relationships. Get your head out of the sand of your workspace and get to know the people around you. What knowledge won’t get you, relationships will.

I can’t say I have had one biggest influence. I have a number of people that inspire and influence me, but ultimately, if I have to choose one, it’s been the Lord Jesus – both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, what projects or initiatives are you most excited about in clean energy and finance?

I am truly excited about the future of the work I do in asset backed securitization, particularly with the new team at Linklaters. Renewable energy is bursting at the seams, even more given the outcome of COP 29 and the renewed drive of private sector players to get some more climate finance out to augment the official amount from public sources.

The AI boom is also leading to a meteoric rise in data centers and dark fiber like we have never seen before, meaning the demand for energy is growing exponentially – with securitization standing out as a cheaper financing alternative, our industry has only seen the tip of the iceberg in deal flow, and I’m here for it!

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