For years, Nigerians, especially people in the hinterlands (who are in the majority population) have been conditioned to the use of traditional biomass stoves in major households.
This practice, for several years, has been responsible for the increased number of deaths, a corollary of the air pollution that has hitherto led to millions of premature deaths of many Nigerians. However, this ugly trend is about to change for the better as the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the lead agency in the country’s energy drive births a novel initiative that will ensure #cleancooling energy even from the remotest village in the country.
This noble initiative was unveiled today, Saturday, March 2, 2024, by the Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullåhi at Karudu, a remote village in the suburb of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory today.
The unveiling tagged, ‘Sensitization Campaign on the use of Improved Wood Stove’ is meant to begin aggressive campaigns against continuous use of biomass cooking methods and adoption of improved woodstove for a cleaner and safer environment. In his laconic speech, the ECN Boss, Dr. Abdullåhi stated that his desire for the campaign is to help drive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s commitment at the COP28 global summit on clean cooling and safer environment.
His words: “As you all know, cooking with traditional biomass stoves is a major source of household air pollution, which causes millions of premature deaths every year, especially among women and children. It also contributes to deforestation, climate change, and energy poverty. These are serious challenges that we must address as a nation. That is why the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has initiated this campaign to promote the adoption and use of improved wood stoves in your community,” the Energy expert said to the people of Karudu village, Abuja.
He equally stated further, “Improved cook stoves are designed to burn fuel wood more efficiently and cleanly, reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. They can also save time, money, and labor for the users, and improve their health and well-being.” He submitted.
The ECN honcho who was at the event with members of the Commission’s top management demonstrated, in practical term, the use of the improved wood stoves as newly built by the Commission. The idea of this practical demonstration is not just a campaign about providing a new product, but about creating a new culture of clean cooking. It is about improving quality of life, and protecting people’s health as well as the environment. The campaign is about empowering people to make informed and responsible choices about their energy needs.
For the ECN numero uno, his leadership is committed to reworking the country’s energy economy in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President.
