… distributes free LPG cooking gas to rural women in collaboration with FMWA
In a bid to stem the tide of global warming occasioned by climate change, the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs organized a one-day sensitization and social mobilization program on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cooking project at Ehor in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Fede Monilola Udoh noted that the event was apt, in view of the menace of global warming confronting developed and developing nations of the world. She added that the initiative was an effort to ensure an improvement in the well-being and quality of the lives of rural women in the various communities and Local Government Areas of Edo State.
She said, “This event could not have come at an appropriate time than now, that the world is geared towards reducing the greenhouse effect through afforestation.
“In order to integrate climate change adaptation into every aspect of national life, women and other vulnerable groups must be aware and knowledgeable on what climate change is and how it impacts on our health and environment with specialized skills to enable them to adapt.”
Mrs. Fede thanked the State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues for their support in ensuring that the programme was a success, especially in the mobilization of women groups and other stakeholders who participated in the exercise. She further noted that Women have a powerful role in influencing sustainable consumption decisions.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, of Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Barbara Osobajo, assured of the State Government’s commitment to curbing the negative effects of climate change, while highlighting some of the dangers of crude and local methods of cooking.
She noted that the essence of the event was to join efforts in promoting clean energy solutions and enhancing the well-being of communities, adding that the majority of the households in rural communities cook over the open fire and women who typically do the cooking frequently visit local health centers, suffering from respiratory diseases due to smoke inhalation.
Mrs. Osobajo further explained that, in addition to health problems, the high demand for firewood has led to the massive felling of trees which drives deforestation and causes desertification to spread.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary asserted that the utilization of LPG presents numerous benefits for both the environment and for the daily lives of citizens, explaining that the transformation to LPG can significantly reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, and mitigate the adverse effects of traditional cooking methods.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the sensitization and social mobilization campaign is aimed at creating awareness and education among citizens on the advantages of using LPG in cooking while encouraging widespread adoption and creating a positive impact on the environment.
“Edo State Government will welcome any initiative that is pro-poor and will always ensure that the needs for assessment of rural communities are considered in order to drive intervention programs with a sustainability plan,” Mrs. Osobajo noted.
Earlier, the Head of Local Government Administration, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Dr. Raymond Ogieva appreciated the Government for its numerous efforts in making sure that every Edo resident has a peaceful and healthy environment to live in.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Patience Osawu of Ovia North East Local Government Area, speaking on behalf of the Edo South senatorial district, thanked the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Edo State Government for the initiative, promising that the use of LPG cooking gas will be sustained.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of LPG cooking gas to women and stakeholders present with a practical demonstration on safety tips and benefits of using LPG clean energy
