Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, the State Head of Service, Mr.Olanrewaju Saka and other stakeholders have stressed the need for the use of Clean Cooking Stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, as part of moves to promote greener and healthier environment in Nigeria
They made the call in their separate remarks on Tuesday in Abeokuta during the celebration of the 2026 World Environment Day which has its theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future," where the wife of the governor presented 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves to beneficiaries including women , youths and students who are expected to be ambassadors of clean energy within their respective communities
The adoption of clean cook stoves and LPG according to her , offers a safer, healthier, cleaner, and more efficient alternative.
She listed the multiple benefits of clean cooking stove to include significant reduction of harmful indoor air pollution,
improvement in the health and wellbeing of women and children , reduction in dependence on firewood while helping to conserve forests and lower greenhouse gas emissions in addition to promotion of energy efficiency and sustainable livelihoods.
"The distribution of Clean Cook Stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to women in Ogun State is a practical demonstration of our commitment to climate resilience, public health improvement, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability", she stated
The First Lady lauded the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government which made the distribution possible
"For decades, millions of households across Africa have depended on firewood, charcoal, and other traditional biomass fuels for cooking. While these methods have served many families, they also come with significant consequences".
These methods of cooking, she added
contributed to deforestation, environmental degradation, indoor air pollution, and serious health challenges, particularly for women and children who spend considerable time around cooking areas
"For the women receiving these items today, I encourage you to become ambassadors of clean energy within your communities. Share your experiences, educate others, and help expand awareness of the benefits of adopting cleaner cooking technologies", she urged beneficiaries
Also the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya in his keynote speech, described the theme of this year's celebration as both timely and instructive, saying the nature offers the most reliable model for sustainability, resilience, and balance.
"These stoves offer safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking alternatives by reducing indoor air pollution, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the well being of women and children,"he stated
He called on all stakeholders including government, communities, industries, and individuals—to draw inspiration from natural systems in addressing climate change, environmental degradation, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
"A major component of our climate strategy is the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution. RDF converts combustible municipal solid waste into alternative fuel for domestic and industrial use, thereby reducing landfill pressure, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels".
"We continue to invest in environmental education through Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools. This initiative is equips young people with knowledge and skills in environmental stewardship, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, ensuring sustainability for future generations", he added
The Commissioner emphasized the need for collective effort in supporting government to reduce pollution and promote healthier future
"However, environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires collective responsibility. Every tree planted, every act of proper waste disposal, every effort to conserve energy, and every step taken to reduce pollution contributes to a healthier future"
Similarly, the State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka encouraged the beneficiaries to ensure effective usage of the clean cooking stoves,
"I encourage you to make effective use of these clean cook stoves and become advocates of cleaner and healthier cooking practices within your communities. Your participation will help amplify the environmental and social benefits of this programme across the State".
"As we celebrate World Environment Day 2026, let us renew our collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Government alone cannot achieve environmental sustainability; it requires the active participation of citizens, communities, institutions, and the private sector. Together, inspired by nature, we can take meaningful climate actions and secure a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come", he stated
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe , Director , Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, represented by Mrs Dolapo John Akinde, expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to domestication of the clean cooking policy by implementing the key recommendations and embarking on extensive awareness
He urged the beneficiaries to communicate the benefits of cleaner cooking solutions which according to him, brings and provide technical and business training while building the capacity of local producers and distributors.
"The Federal Ministry of Environment has under the presidential initiative on climate change made a significant step forward in our shared mission to promote cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable cooking"
In his paper titled "Refuse Derive Fuel and Its Value To Climate Action ", Prof. Babatunde Saheed Bada of Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta FUNAAB, called for a comprehensive strategy with target, plan and funding
The don stressed the need for establishment of specific financing mechanism for RDF project, by promoting its benefits and training professionals
Abeokuta chapter Chairman of Nigerian Environment Society Chief Adebayo Badmos in his goodwill message, urged every individual, organization and community to embrace sustainable practices by supporting climate action initiatives through advocacy, education and community engagement
The Iyaloja General of Egbaland, Oluwakemi Abeke in her goodwill message, stressed the need for clean environment in market places to ensure healthy living among people
She for return of Monthly Sanitation exercise on Saturday, more waste disposal vehicles and sanitation inspectors
The event was spiced up with a lot of demonstration by learners from selected secondary schools and students of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta FUNAAB
The event attracted learners from selected secondary schools, Federal University of Abeokuta Agriculture FUNAAB, environmentalists, community leaders as well as market women and other stakeholders
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