National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has begun the promotion of the use of clean cooking methods in Nigeria.
The initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and other clean cooking methods to address environmental degradation and other effects of climate change.
To achieve the goal, NAGGW yesterday gathered stakeholders at Janguza Military Barracks, Kano, to take the campaign to the grassroots.
Among the stakeholders at the event were community-based organisations (CBOs), civil society organisations (CSOs) and youth leaders.
In his address at the event marking 2024 Great Green Wall Day in Kano State, the agency’s director-general, Dr Yusuf Bukar, said NAGGW would not shirk its statutory responsibility of promoting a cleaner environment.
In the speech titled, “Fuelling a Greener Future: Clean Cooking for Sustainable Development,” Bukar said the agency seized the initiative to distribute clean cooking stoves as part of its proactive move to provide environmentally friendly and efficient cooking solutions that reduce harmful emissions and promote better health outcomes.
He said, “Directors and field officers in the agency’s frontline states have reached out to various communities to ensure the effective distribution of these stoves. By engaging directly with the communities, we provide immediate support and foster long-term partnerships for environmental sustainability.
“By investing in clean cooking technologies, we not only reduce the burden on our natural resources and mitigate the impact of climate change, but we also create new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for millions of people across the region.
“By placing community engagement at the heart of its initiatives, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall aims to foster a sense of ownership, build local capacity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its environmental restoration efforts.
“Today, as we gather in this historic setting, let us renew our commitment to the Great Green Wall and to the sustainable development of our communities. Let us work together to fuel a greener future, one that is powered by clean cooking solutions and nurtured by the very land we stand upon.
“Clean cooking solutions significantly reduce air pollution, a major health hazard in many African communities. By adopting cleaner cooking methods, we can prevent respiratory diseases, improve health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for millions,” he said.
The DG added, “Traditional cooking methods often rely on wood and charcoal, leading to deforestation and increased carbon emissions. Clean cooking technologies, such as improved stoves and alternative fuels, help conserve forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
“The adoption of clean cooking solutions can drive economic growth and job opportunities. It can also reduce the time and effort spent collecting firewood, allowing more time for education and income-generating activities, particularly for women and children,” he added.
Bukar maintained that his agency remained committed to transforming the nation’s landscape and empowering its communities.
He added, “The Great Green Wall is more than just a physical barrier against the encroaching deserts; it symbolises our collective resilience, unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, and unwavering belief in a future where prosperity and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony.
“Today, we are thrilled to witness the planting of 400 seedlings using the innovative Groasis box technology. This technology, which harnesses the power of nature to nurture and sustain young plants, is a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach that underpins our work,” Bukar said.
Checks revealed that besides distributing cooking stoves and planting trees, the NGG has established one hectare of orchard plantations in Kano and Bauchi to mark this year’s Great Green Wall Day.
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