The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has called for the adoption of clean cooking stoves in the country, saying that the traditional cooking methods are risky.
Abdullahi, who spoke in Abuja during a two-day gender sensitisation training on the adoption of clean cooking solutions, organised for women by ECN in Abuja, said
the adoption would reduce environmental degradation, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of women and their families.
He said: “As we gather here today, we recognize the pivotal role that clean cooking solutions play in not only ensuring access to safe and sustainable energy but also in empowering women and promoting gender equality. In many households, particularly in rural areas, women bear the primary responsibility for cooking using traditional methods that often pose serious health risks and environmental hazards.
” Through the adoption of clean cookstoves, we aim to mitigate these challenges, improve health outcomes, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of women and their families.
“This workshop serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaborative action towards promoting the widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions.
“This is tailored to the needs and realities of women who bear the brunt of air pollution from the traditional method of cooking.
Through interactive sessions, insightful discussions, and practical demonstrations, we will explore innovative technologies, and best practices to accelerate the transition towards clean and sustainable cooking solutions.”
Abdullahi said the training underscored the commission’s commitment to mainstreaming gender considerations in energy policies and initiatives, adding that women were not only disproportionately affected by energy poverty.
According to him, it also possesses unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are invaluable in shaping effective solutions.
He urged participants to actively engage, share experiences, and forge partnerships that would contribute to the success of collective efforts.
“Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future, where clean cooking solutions empower women, protect the environment, and drive sustainable development for generations to come,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Director-General, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Charles Odii, said the adoption of innovation and technology would bring about significant advancement breakthroughs in various fields.
Odii, who was represented by the Assistant Chief Enterprise Officer at the agency, Mrs Idorenyi Etim, assured of the continued and mutual relationship between SMEDAN and ECN for the growth and development of the nation’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sub-sector.
