Lagos women sensitized on benefits of clean cooking energy

By Florence Kalu 

A non-governmental organization, Earth and Sustainability Initiative (ESI), is promoting clean cooking energy among women in low-income and rural communities across Lagos State.

The NGO conducted an outreach program at Agboju Market in Lagos, educating women on the dangers of unsafe cooking practices, as stated by ESI Programme Director, Mrs Ebere Akwuebue.

Akwuebue noted that many households rely on charcoal, firewood, and other solid fuels, posing health risks and contributing to pollution and climate change.

The advocacy aims to simplify climate change information, highlight health implications of traditional cooking, and promote cleaner alternatives.

Communities visited by the ESI as revealed by the programme director have expressed strong interest in transitioning to cleaner cooking technologies but are often hindered by limited access and affordability.

Akwuebue said the NGO partnered with Solar Sisters last year to distribute clean cookstoves.

She disclosed that the NGO would explore further collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders to expand access.

She added that the organisation is considering a pay-as-you-go model to enable women acquire clean cookstoves through small instalment payments.

“This approach can serve as a low-hanging fruit in reducing emissions, building awareness and supporting Nigeria’s drive toward achieving net-zero targets,” she said.

Akwuebue disclosed that ESI currently works directly with community leaders to secure access and mobilise households but hopes to formalise partnerships with relevant government agencies in future engagements.

She said more than 100 women participated in the training, adding that past outreaches in the last three years recorded attendance ranging from 150 to 200 participants per community.

Akwuebue said the clean cookstoves demonstrated during the event use reduced quantities of briquettes or charcoal, are insulated and burn more efficiently than traditional open-fire pots.

Also speaking, Mrs Margret Ibekwe, who represented the market leadership of the host community, commended the initiative for bringing the sensitisation to grassroots women.

Ibekwe said the demonstration introduced many women to clean cookstoves, which would reduce smoke pollution and promote healthier cooking. She encouraged adoption, citing improved household well-being and contributions to safer communities.