FIC Report (Benue State) – The Governor of Benue State, Dr.Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has announced that the Two Million Clean Cookstoves Initiative will significantly transform rural households while promoting environmental sustainability and protecting public health across the state.
The Governor made this known on Monday 16th March, 2026, during the inauguration of the project’s implementation committee at Government House in Makurdi.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Sam.Ode said the event marks a major step in the state government’s efforts to promote clean energy alternatives and reduce environmental degradation caused by traditional cooking methods.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Alia described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people of Benue State, particularly women who bear the greatest burden of the health risks associated with the use of firewood and other traditional cooking fuels.
He added that the programme represents an important milestone in the administration’s broader agenda of building a healthier and more sustainable environment for the people of the state, noting that this will help reduce environmental hazards and health complications linked to smoke from traditional cooking practices.
The Governor explained that the inauguration of the implementation committee was necessary to ensure effective coordination and successful delivery of the project across communities in the state.
He urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with diligence and commitment to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Frederick Ikyaan, thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that members would work assiduously to deliver on their mandate.
He pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring the effective rollout of the project across the state, adding that the initiative has the potential to significantly improve the lives of women and families who depend on traditional cooking systems.
The implementation committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, while the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for Climate Change, Aondofa Mailumo, will serve as Secretary.
Bridget Tarker
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
