Otu's Wife Empowers 400 Women with Smokeless Cooking Stoves, Wonder Pots
Committed to improving the lives of women, Cross River State Governor's wife Eyoawan Bassey Otu, has empowered 400 women with smokeless cooking stoves and wonder pots to 400 women.
The initiative, which is a collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Atmosfair Germany, aims to reduce fuel costs and promote environmental sustainability.
The initiative is part of the government's efforts to promote the green economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The distribution of smokeless cooking stoves and wonder pots is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of women in Cross River State, enabling them to save money and improve their health
The Governor 's wife stated that the new cooking stoves and wonder pots will reduce fuel expenses for the beneficiaries, who previously spent over N1,000 daily on firewood.
The Governor's wife who is represented by wife of member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency at the National Assembly, Mrs. Asi Akiba at the flag-off ceremony of the cooking items by Asi Akiba, which took place yesterday at the office of the governor 's wife Moore Road Calabar, stated that the initiative will not only bring relief to women but also contribute to reducing indoor air pollution, which has become a major health concern in Nigeria.
Otu's wife highlighted the dangers of relying on fuelwood, citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report that estimated 95,000 deaths in Nigeria in a year due to inefficient cooking energy technologies, emphasising that the project will empower women and improve their health.
The CEO of NASENI, Alhaji Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that the project demonstrates the agency's commitment to indigenous innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. He added that the stoves and wonder pots were developed through local research and are designed to reduce harmful emissions and provide safer cooking methods.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Special Duties, Intergovernmental Affairs, and CEO of Green Economy Commission, Mr. Oden Ewa, described the smokeless cooking stoves and wonder pots as innovative solutions that will reduce cooking time, improve health, and contribute to addressing issues of climate change.
Also speaking director general DG Cross River State Climate change Dr. Edu Effiom, averred that introduction of the smokeless cook stove comes with significant environmental benefits adding that the high energy generation efficiency that the stove comes with reduces the amount of firewood needed by as much as 50% to 60%, slowing deforestation and helping to preserve biodiversity.
"When fragile ecological services are preserved, our water sheds will be protected, outbreak of water and air-borne diseases will be drastically reduced," Edu said.
