By Stella Odueme
In demonstration of its commitment to reducing over-reliance on solid fuel for cooking and heating as well as deepening the penetration and accessibility of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), the Federal Government through its Decade of Gas initiative, has commenced free distribution of LPG Bottles to women, particularly those in the rural areas.
Speaking at the Inaugural LPG Penetration Programme and Distribution of LPG Bottles in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that the event was a crucial milestone in the journey towards a cleaner, better, and more prosperous Nigeria.
He remarked that, with the introduction of the programme, government was on a mission to change the lives of millions Nigerians across the six geographical zones.
“By 2030, we want to convert 250,000 houses a year to clean cooking gas, which is a lofty but attainable target. This program is evidence of our steadfast dedication to lessening the over-reliance on solid fuels, which for a long time served as many households’ primary source of energy and include firewood, kerosene, and charcoal”, the Minister stated.
Speaking on the negative impacts of utilizing conventional fuels, Ekpo stated that their contribution to deforestation, environmental degradation and air pollution are inimical to human health, hence the need to encourage the usage and adoption of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG with a view to ensuring a cleaner environment, enhancing public health, and promoting sustainable development.
The minister further noted that the goal of the initiative was to improve women’s inclusion and provide employment opportunities for the youths.
“Transitioning to clean cooking gas will be especially beneficial for women, who are disproportionately affected by the health effects of traditional cooking methods. We are advancing gender equality and economic empowerment by providing them with safer and more effective energy solutions”, he emphasized.
Fielding questions from journalists at the event, the Minister ascribed the gradual reduction in the price of cooking gas to the domestication of the country’s abundant gas resources for the benefit of the citizens and in driving the economy as mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Ekpo disclosed the plan to go into upstream production of LPG in the various sectors so that the price of gas would continue to come down to make life easy for Nigerians.
“After Abuja, we are heading to Lagos and we will make sure we crisscross all the parts of the country in ensuring that the benefit from the Decade of Gas initiative gets to all Nigerians”, he stated.
In his address at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella stated that the programme was one that the Ministry was committed to deliver as one of its mandates
“We are here to give you that support. It is a delight to see the array of gas cylinders that are on display here for presentation”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need to move away from firewood and stove to cooking gas and acknowledged that the challenges with gas penetration were enormous but not insurmountable.
He therefore implored the women who were beneficiaries of the initiative to be safety conscious in their usage of gas.
In her submission, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim described the programme as a groundbreaking initiative.
She noted that the programme was not just about cooking but also about shaping and creating an environment for healthier living and for a more prosperous future for Nigeria.
She added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a nation powered by clean energy and empowering its young people.
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye, noted that the programme among other policies of government would go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of women.
One of the recipients of the LPG Bottles and an indigene of the FCT, Ms. Ruth Ayenaje, who spoke on behalf of other recipients, expressed appreciation to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) and other sponsors of the programme for the initiative.
The highlights of the event were an enlightenment on the use of gas cookers/cylinders as well as the distribution of LPG Bottles to women across the Six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
