Tackling Deforestation: FG Distributes 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Yobe State Government, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves produced with local technology to vulnerable citizens across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The initiative, officially launched at the Yobe State Ministry of Environment along Gujba road, Damaturu, is aimed at reducing deforestation, mitigating climate change, and improving access to safer and more efficient household cooking solutions.

The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, described climate change—largely driven by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—as a major global challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

He explained that the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, which supports the distribution of clean and efficient cooking stoves, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Commissioner noted that the Yobe State Government is complementing this national effort through the Ministry’s Alternative Energy Programme.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, previously procured and distributed 1,000 units of 6kg gas cylinders, 500 Jiko-Koa stoves, 500 Save80 stoves, and 500 Munco stoves free of charge to households across the state to reduce emissions from residential cooking.

Alhaji Karasuwa congratulated the beneficiaries selected for the current phase of the Presidential Initiative and urged them to make proper use of the stoves, stressing that the devices will help protect women’s health, reduce household air pollution, and lessen pressure on forest resources.

Also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Beleri Bularafa, commended the Federal Government for the intervention.