World Environment Day: Ogun distributes 3,500 stoves to residents to combat climate change

In commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day, the Ogun State government has distributed 3,500 clean cooking stoves to women in the state.

The government also announced the development and utilization of Refuse Derived Fuel, RDF, as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution.

According to the government, the stoves reduce indoor air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and offer safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking to improve the well being of women and children.

DAILY POST reports that the clean cooking stoves were provided through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government.

Speaking at this year’s celebration themed, ‘Inspired By Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’, held in  Abeokuta on Tuesday, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, said globally, climate change remains a serious concern, arguing that traditional cooking methods cause indoor air pollution, health risks, deforestation and climate change.

Abiola-Awe who was 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 March 25, 2024, and launched it at the 17th National Council on Environment, with the aim to give all Nigerian households and institutions access to clean cooking energy by 2030.

In her welcome address, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, 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 depend on firewood, charcoal and other traditional biomass fuels for cooking, stressing that while they serve many families, they also come with significant consequences.

The First Lady also applauded the state government for embracing the RDF, stressing that as the state continues to industrialize, innovations as such will help achieve effective waste management and cleaner energy generation while supporting 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 stated.

In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, argued that despite the progress made, challenges such as climate change, urbanization, 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, however, 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, the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, asserted that the year’s theme is a call for all to learn from nature and adopt sustainable practices that will secure a better future for generations yet unborn.

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

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