Ogun Empower Women With Clean Cooking Stoves, Promote Environmental Sustainability

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, has distributed clean cooking stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to women across the state as part of efforts to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

The initiative, which provided 3,500 clean cooking stoves to beneficiaries, was unveiled at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration themed, “Inspired by Nature for Climate and Our Future.”

Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, said the intervention demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving public health, strengthening climate resilience and protecting the environment.

She explained that Ogun State would continue to support innovative solutions such as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) technology to improve waste management and promote cleaner energy generation.

Abiodun warned against the accumulation of combustible waste in dumpsites, noting that such waste contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

She said converting waste into alternative fuel would help reduce environmental hazards while supporting sustainable industrial and energy development.

Also speaking, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, described climate change as a major global challenge.

She noted that the use of traditional cooking methods contributes to indoor air pollution, deforestation, health risks and environmental degradation.

According to her, the clean cooking stoves would help reduce emissions, improve household safety and provide healthier cooking alternatives for families.

Represented by a Principal Officer of the ministry, Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, Abiola-Awe disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the National Clean Cooking Policy in 2024, aimed at ensuring access to clean cooking energy for all households by 2030.

In his goodwill message, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, described the World Environment Day theme as timely, urging citizens to adopt sustainable practices that would protect the environment for future generations.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said issues including deforestation, land degradation, climate change, industrial pollution and ecosystem loss require collective action and stronger partnerships.

He said the ministry was strengthening climate governance through improved environmental data systems, monitoring mechanisms, sustainable industrial practices and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Oresanya explained that the state’s promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) was aimed at reducing pressure on landfills, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

He assured that the ministry would continue to support young people with the skills and knowledge needed for environmental conservation, climate action and waste reduction.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Kafayat Lawal, appreciated the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun and called for collective efforts towards protecting the ecosystem and building climate resilience.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Abeokuta Chapter, Alhaji Jamiu Adebayo, described nature as humanity’s greatest ally in tackling climate change.

He urged individuals, organisations and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.