Ogun Distributes 3,500 Stoves to Residents on World Environment Day to Fight Climate Change

To mark 2026 World Environment Day, the Ogun State government handed out 3,500 clean‑cooking stoves to women across the state.

The government also highlighted plans to develop and use Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste‑to‑energy option.

Officials said the stoves will lower indoor air pollution, cut greenhouse‑gas emissions, and provide safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking, thereby improving the well‑being of women and children.

Daily Post reports that the stoves were supplied through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government.

During this year’s celebration, themed “Inspired By Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” held in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Dr Iniobong Abiola‑Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, noted that climate change remains a global challenge. She argued that traditional cooking methods contribute to indoor air pollution, health risks, deforestation, and climate change.

Abiola‑Awe, represented by Mrs Dolapo John‑Akhigbe, a principal officer in the ministry, added that the Federal Executive Council approved the National Clean Cooking Policy on 25 March 2024 and launched it at the 17th National Council on Environment. The policy aims to give all Nigerian households and institutions access to clean cooking energy by 2030.

In her welcome address, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of climate resilience, public health improvement, and women’s empowerment.

Mrs Abiodun noted that millions of Nigerians still rely on firewood, charcoal, and other traditional biomass fuels for cooking, emphasizing that while these fuels serve many families, they also carry significant environmental and health consequences.

She praised the state government for adopting RDF, stressing that as the state continues to industrialise, such innovations will help achieve effective waste management, cleaner energy generation, and sustainable economic growth.

“Instead of allowing large volumes of combustible waste to accumulate in dumpsites where they contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse‑gas emissions, such waste can be processed into alternative fuel for industrial and energy applications,” she said.

In his keynote address, Dr Ola Oresanya, Commissioner for Environment, said that despite progress, challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, industrial pollution, deforestation, and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment.

Oresanya noted that the ministry is advancing initiatives to strengthen climate governance, expand environmental data systems, improve monitoring technologies, promote sustainable industrial practices, and deepen public‑private partnerships.

He maintained that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government alone, and called for 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 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,” Oresanya added.

He also assured that the ministry would continue to equip young people with knowledge and skills in environmental stewardship, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Also speaking, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, Head of Service, said the year’s theme is a call for everyone to learn from nature and adopt sustainable practices that will secure a better future for generations yet unborn.

He urged staff of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment and its agencies to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive in their duties, stating that the state’s environmental future depends significantly on their commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

The head of service also urged beneficiaries of the clean cooking stoves to use the appliances effectively and become advocates of cleaner and healthier cooking practices within their communities.