The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, on Tuesday called for greater commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the adoption of clean energy solutions as part of efforts to combat climate change and secure a better future for coming generations.
She lamented the continued dependence of many households on firewood, charcoal, and other traditional biomass fuels, warning that such practices contribute to deforestation, environmental degradation, indoor air pollution, and serious health risks.
She stated that, in a bid to address this challenge, the Federal Government, in partnership with the Ogun State Government, is distributing clean cookstoves to residents of the state.
Abiodun disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at the celebration of the 2026 World Environment Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.”
She explained that the theme for this year’s World Environment Day underscored the urgent need to protect natural resources and strengthen climate action, noting that climate change is already manifesting through rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges.
She said, “These clean cooking devices were generously provided through the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government, and I am honoured to formally present them to beneficiaries today.
“For decades, millions of households across Africa have depended on firewood, charcoal, and other traditional biomass fuels for cooking. While these methods have served many families, they also come with significant consequences.
“They contribute to deforestation, environmental degradation, indoor air pollution, and serious health challenges, particularly for women and children who spend considerable time around cooking areas.”
She stated that studies have consistently shown that smoke from traditional cooking methods can lead to respiratory diseases, eye problems, cardiovascular complications, and other health concerns, while continued reliance on firewood contributes to the depletion of forests, which are critical natural assets in the fight against climate change.
Abiodun said the adoption of clean cookstoves and liquefied petroleum gas offers a safer, healthier, cleaner, and more efficient alternative. She urged beneficiaries to make good use of the devices and support government efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development.
Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said Ogun State has intensified climate action through tree-planting campaigns, ecosystem protection initiatives, stakeholder engagements, and strategic partnerships with national and international organisations to reduce environmental risks and build climate-resilient communities.
Oresanya said a major component of the state’s climate strategy is the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution.
He disclosed that “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 stated that the state has also achieved a significant milestone with the distribution of 3,500 clean cookstoves provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment. He said the stoves offer safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking alternatives by reducing indoor air pollution, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the well-being of women and children.
He, however, noted that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by the government alone, as it requires collective responsibility.
“The very tree planted, every act of proper waste disposal, every effort to conserve energy, and every step taken to reduce pollution contribute to a healthier future,” he said.
The Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, commended the Ministry of Environment and its agencies for their efforts in advancing environmental sustainability across the state.
Saka praised the ministry for implementing projects ranging from strengthened waste management systems and climate adaptation initiatives to flood control interventions and environmental education campaigns.
In her welcome address, the Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, represented by a principal officer from the ministry, Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, said global climate change remains a matter of concern and that traditional cooking methods not only pose serious health risks due to indoor air pollution but also contribute to deforestation and climate change.
Abiola-Awe said it was against this background that the Federal Government is making clean cookstoves available to households across the country.
Speaking on the significance of RDF, environmental expert and Professor of Environmental Management and Toxicology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Babatunde Bada, described the technology as a critical tool for climate mitigation and sustainable waste management.
According to him, RDF is produced from non-recyclable waste materials such as plastics, paper, and textiles and can be used as an alternative fuel in industries, including cement manufacturing and paper production.
He explained that RDF offers dual benefits by addressing waste management challenges while reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Read the full article here
