The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed grave concern over the alarming statistics of over 80,000 Nigerian women who lose their lives annually due to toxic smoke inhalation from traditional cooking practices, such as using firewood and kerosene stoves. During a recent stakeholders’ engagement on women’s access to clean energy in Abuja, the minister highlighted the severe social and economic challenges posed by energy poverty, particularly for rural women. She described energy poverty as more than just a technical issue but a form of social injustice. “Energy poverty isn’t just a technical issue; it represents a social injustice,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated. “It keeps women trapped in cycles of unpaid labor, economic dependence, and health risks. In numerous rural areas, women spend up to eight hours weekly collecting firewood.” The minister called for an urgent partnership among stakeholders in the energy sector to provide cleaner, safer alternatives for women, especially those in underserved communities. As part of this effort, a new initiative was launched, focusing on offering solar-powered solutions for both domestic and agricultural purposes. “Through this initiative, we will ensure energy access through solar home systems, clean cooking technologies, solar-powered water pumps, e-mobility tools, and other productive-use appliances to every part of the country,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said. The meeting also featured significant contributions from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), showcasing their ongoing efforts to bridge the energy access gap. Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, shared that the $550 million Nigerian Electrification Project has already impacted approximately eight million Nigerians and 35,000 businesses, including 12,000 women-led enterprises. He further revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved an additional $750 million off-grid power project, with a large portion of the funds dedicated to mini-grids and solar home systems. “This presents a great opportunity for us to replicate and scale this intervention across the nation,” Abubakar-Aliyu stated. Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI—represented by Dr. Olayode Olasupo—also addressed the disproportionate effects of energy poverty on rural women. He explained that inadequate access to clean cooking energy, along with limited access to electricity for lighting and other essential services, restricts women’s access to vital services, reduces economic opportunities, and threatens their health and safety. Stakeholders at the event emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive energy policies and sustainable financing models to guarantee equitable access to clean energy for women in remote and rural areas. The Guardian: Energy Poverty and Its Impact on Women BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has outlined an ambitious vision for a sustainable Lagos, emphasizing clean energy, innovation-driven industries, and job creation harmonized with environmental conservation. This announcement was made during the Lagos State Government’s Pilot Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Conversion Training, hosted by the IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC) at the Lagos Bus Service Limited Workshop in Yaba. A Commitment to Clean Energy Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the adoption of CNG as a transformative energy solution. He described it as a pivotal move towards safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective energy systems. This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to protecting its environment and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. “Transitioning just 20 percent of our transportation fleet to CNG could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by tens of thousands of metric tons annually, significantly improving urban air quality,” he stated. Call for Collaboration Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for joint efforts, urging stakeholders, private sector partners, industry leaders, and government agencies to work collaboratively in scaling the CNG adoption program. He envisions Lagos as a leader in sustainable energy, setting an example for Africa in innovation and progress. “Together, we can position Lagos not just as a Nigerian leader in sustainable energy but as a beacon of innovation and progress across Africa. Let us move forward united to build the Lagos of our dreams—one powered by innovation, sustainability, and resilience,” he added. Transformative Training Initiative The governor described the CNG vehicle conversion training as more than just a skills development program. He sees it as a bold stride toward a cleaner and more prosperous Lagos. Participants were encouraged to become ambassadors of change, spreading the benefits of clean energy throughout the state. Commendation for IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation for spearheading this groundbreaking initiative. He acknowledged the critical role of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation, building local expertise, and driving technological advancements in Lagos. “Your efforts in organizing this pilot program underscore the importance of collaboration in building local capacity and advancing technological progress in Lagos State,” he noted. Conclusion Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision underlines the integration of sustainability with economic growth, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to governance. Through strategic initiatives like the CNG training program, Lagos is taking significant steps toward becoming a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable city. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
