As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities, GTCO PLC launched its Waste for Gas initiative at the weekend. Over 3,000 residents of Obafemi Owode, a local government area in Ogun State, received a 3kg gas cylinder each.
Speaking about the initiative, the group chief executive officer of GTCO PLC, Mr Segun Agbaje, noted that beyond delivering innovative financial solutions, the institution is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities where it operates.
“The Waste for Gas initiative is about making life easier for families, giving them more time to focus on important activities such as education, work, or personal development,” he stated. “Beyond this, we aim to continuously develop sustainable initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to socio-economic growth.”
Speaking at the unveiling/presentation event, GTCO’s chief communication officer, Oyinade Adegite, highlighted that the initiative was designed to promote cleaner communities while enhancing household welfare.
According to Adegite, providing access to gas-powered cooking solutions will simplify daily routines and free up time for other productive activities that support financial stability. She further noted that GTCO conducted thorough assessments by visiting beneficiaries’ homes to ensure the support reached those who genuinely needed it.
“We visited various households across the local government and were surprised to find that some residents had already gone borrowing from money lenders just to afford gas cylinders, while others were considering doing the same,” she revealed.
She urged beneficiaries to use the cylinders for their intended purpose and not resell them, adding that GTCO would return for the programme’s second phase. The bank’s decision to expand the initiative would depend on how well the items are utilised.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Obafemi Owode, local government chairman, Ambassador Ogunsola Adesina, stated that the intervention would significantly improve the standard of living in the area. He also appealed to GTCO to establish a branch within the community to alleviate residents’ current banking challenges.
In his remarks, Olu of Owode-Egba, Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, advised beneficiaries not to sell the gas cylinders and assured them that discussions were underway to establish discounted gas refill stations within the community.
Additionally, Iyaloja General Chief Ganiyat Oyelakin cautioned beneficiaries to use the gas cookers safely to prevent accidents. Residents were also educated on the proper handling and maintenance of their gas cylinders.
Expressing their gratitude, beneficiaries lauded GTCO for the initiative. One of them, Madam Risikat Ayoka, said, “We are excited. This gesture will make us stop using firewood for cooking”.
