By Akudoro Gloria
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has again carried out a two-day sensitization workshop on clean cooking solutions particularly to women in the rural areas to mitigate environmental challenges and improve health.
The ECN had on March 2nd 2024 organized similar sensitization workshop on clean cooking solutions focusing on clean cookstoves at Kurudu, Karu Area Council, FCT – Abuja as its pilot site for the campaign.
Speaking on Tuesday in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, at the sensitization programme organized by the ECN in collaboration with Jim Engineering Associates Limited (JEA), the Director General/CEO of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi said this signifies a crucial step towards addressing energy challenges through a gender-sensitive lens.
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 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”.
Dr. Abdullahi further explained that the workshop underscores the Commission’s commitment to mainstreaming gender considerations in energy policies and initiatives, recognizing that women are not only disproportionately affected by energy poverty but also possess unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are invaluable in shaping effective solutions.
He encouraged participants to actively engage, share experiences, and forge partnerships that will contribute to the success of our 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 stated.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Charles Odii, ably Represented by the Assistant Chief Enterprise Officer, SMEDAN, Odorenyi Etim, underscored the Agency’s numerous programmes targeted towards Women-led businesses, emphasizing that leveraging on innovation and technology brings about significant advancement breakthrough in various fie
