By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State is set to become the launchpad for a groundbreaking clean energy initiative as it partners the Federal Government and GreenPlinth Africa to begin the distribution of eight million clean cookstoves to vulnerable households across the state.
The distribution, which will kick off on June 25, in Makoko, is part of the broader 80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project, a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing carbon emissions, curbing deforestation and improving health outcomes, particularly among women and children.
The project, spearheaded by the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, in collaboration with the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), is the largest clean cooking initiative in the world and will see the deployment of 80 million energy-efficient stoves across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the state and national working team in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative.
“The 80 Million Clean cookstove initiative represents a transformational opportunity to improve the lives of millions, especially women and children, by promoting clean energy access, reducing harmful air pollution and curbing deforestation in vulnerable communities,” he said.
He added that the initiative would not only yield environmental and health benefits but also serve as an economic driver by creating over 35 million green jobs across the country.
Under the plan, all 57 local government areas and local council development areas in Lagos will receive annual allocations of N1 billion each to support green development, the commissioner disclosed.