FIC Report (Ogun State) – The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, has distributed no fewer than 3,500 clean cooking stoves to women in Ogun State as part of efforts to mitigate climate change and empower women across the State.
The distribution, which took place at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration themed, “Inspired by Nature for Climate and Our Future.”
Speaking at the event, First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, said the distribution of clean cooking stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to women was a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to climate resilience, public health and environmental sustainability.
She explained that the State would continue to embrace Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) technology support innovations that promote effective waste management and cleaner energy generation for sustainable economic growth.
“We must avoid the accumulation of large volumes of combustible waste in dumpsites, as they contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Such waste can be processed into alternative fuel for industrial and energy applications,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, described climate change as a major global concern. She noted that traditional cooking methods contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, deforestation, health risks, and environmental degradation.
She went further to explain that the clean cooking stoves would help reduce indoor air pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking solutions for families.
Abiola-Awe, represented by a Principal Officer of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Dolapo John-Akhigbe, disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the National Clean Cooking Policy in 2024. She added that the policy was launched during the 17th National Council on Environment to ensure that all households in the country have access to clean cooking energy by 2030.
In his goodwill message, the Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, described the theme of the celebration as timely and relevant, stressing the need for Nigerians to learn from nature and adopt sustainable habits that would secure a better future for generations to come.
He charged the Ministry of Environment to remain committed to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, noting that the state’s future depends on the commitment, professionalism, and integrity of its workforce.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, emphasised that challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, climate change, urbanisation, industrial pollution and ecosystem loss require stronger collaboration and sustained commitment.
He noted that the Ministry was working towards strengthening climate governance through the expansion of environmental data systems, improved monitoring mechanisms, sustainable industrial practices, and enhanced Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
“Environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by the government alone; it requires collaboration and collective responsibility. A major component of our climate strategy is the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution. RDF involves converting combustible municipal solid waste into alternative fuel for domestic and industrial use, thereby reducing landfill pressure, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing dependence on fossil fuels,” Oresanya said.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would continue to support and equip young people with the skills and knowledge required for environmental stewardship, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and waste reduction.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Kafayat Lawal, appreciated the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun and called for collective efforts to protect the ecosystem, promote sustainable practices and build climate resilience.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Abeokuta Chapter, Alhaji Jamiu Adebayo, said nature remained humanity’s greatest teacher and ally in the fight against climate change.
He noted that the increasing impact of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and extreme weather events had demonstrated that the future of humanity would be inseparable from the health of the environment.
Adebayo, therefore, appealed to individuals, organisations, communities, and other stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices, support climate action initiatives and contribute to environmental conservation.
Hannah Chinenye Ubah,
SIO, FIC, Abeokuta,
Ogun State.
11/6/2026.
