Edo First Lady's Office Leads Clean-Coal Stove Distribution to Promote Climate-Smart Cooking

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

Over two hundred and fifty women in Edo South Senatorial District have benefited from the free distribution of clean-coal stoves and pots through the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Coordinated by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani.

The distribution exercise, held at Urhokpota Hall, King Square, Benin City, was organized in partnership with BeLiEF and Care Foundation, alongside the Edo State Ministry of Science and Technology. The initiative aims to promote sustainable cooking practices and reduce household carbon emissions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Anani explained that the programme is inspired by the vision of the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is committed to alleviating poverty among low-income households and vulnerable groups.

She emphasized that Senator Tinubu continues to support Edo State through impactful interventions aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the Green Energy Technology component of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The First Lady Designate reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to tackling climate change and empowering women, who remain the primary users of household energy. She appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo for his visionary leadership in designing programmes that reach and uplift the most vulnerable.

Mrs. Anani noted that access to clean and efficient cooking technologies improves public health, enhances household wellbeing, and empowers women who bear the responsibility for managing family energy needs.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etinosa Ogbeiwi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jonathan Ukpebor, stated that the clean-coal stoves burn more efficiently than traditional fuels and are expected to significantly reduce indoor air pollution, lower carbon footprints, and contribute to the state’s climate-change mitigation goals.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ebegue Evans, commended Mrs. Anani for the laudable initiative and her continuous efforts toward empowering women across communities in Edo State.

The wife of the Oredo Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Blessing Iduseri, also expressed appreciation to Mrs. Anani for her tireless commitment to supporting vulnerable women and families in Edo State.

Some of the beneficiaries— including Mrs. Blessing Irebe, Mrs. Eseosa Uwaifo, and Mrs. Catherine Adams—expressed gratitude to Her Excellency, First Lady Designate Edo State and the partnering organizations for the clean-coal stoves, pots, and cash support provided for the purchase of charcoal.

The event brought together government officials, partners, and community members who witnessed yet another milestone in Edo State’s drive toward climate-smart, women-focused development initiatives.