The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has empowered women in the Edo South Senatorial District with 250 clean coal stoves, pots and cash support to help them buy charcoal. The items were distributed through the Office of the First Lady during an event held at the Urhuokpota Hall in Benin City, with a focus on improving health, reducing energy costs and supporting environmental sustainability across local communities.
According to the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the initiative was created to encourage healthier and safer cooking options for women who still rely on traditional cooking methods. She explained that the introduction of clean coal stoves will help reduce smoke exposure, strengthen public health, and support low-income families dealing with high fuel prices. She said the programme is part of a broader support plan designed to uplift women and make daily cooking more affordable.
Mrs. Anani said, “The provision of these clean coal stoves represents a deliberate step towards reducing our carbon footprint, mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable development across Edo State. It aligns perfectly with the vision of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administration to build a more resilient, environmentally conscious, and self-sustaining society, where every individual has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in dignity.”
She explained that the empowerment programme is being carried out in partnership with the BeLiEF & Care Foundation, her personal project, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. She added that the collaboration shows their shared commitment to tackling the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. She highlighted that clean and efficient cooking tools do not only improve the health of women and children but also support economic empowerment for families dealing with rising energy costs.
Mrs. Anani restated the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families across the State with practical tools that improve living standards. She said, “His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, is a passionate and visionary leader who is deeply committed to the well-being of all citizens in our dear State. His empowerment initiatives are specifically designed to reach and support the most vulnerable members of our society, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to improve their lives.”
She also thanked partners and stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Science and Technology, for supporting the project. She encouraged all beneficiaries to use the clean stoves responsibly to help build a healthier environment and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for upcoming generations in Edo State.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Etin-Osa Ogbeiwi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jonathan Ukpebor, said the donation of the clean coal stoves is aimed at reducing poverty and supporting low-income earners who struggle with the cost of cooking gas. He said, “The donation of 250 units of clean stoves to 250 families across Edo State by the National Agency for Science and Engineering, is a welcome development.”
He added that the initiative is supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, in collaboration with the First Lady of Edo State, Edesili Okpebholo Anani, under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Green Energy Technology programme for sustainable development. He said the use of clean stoves is becoming more important because of the rising price of cooking gas nationwide.
He said, “There has been a growing demand for clean stoves and affordable cleaner cooking stoves across Nigeria because of the high rising prices of cooking gas. The clean stove is environmentally friendly, reduces air pollution, keeps our cooking costs low, and also creates jobs in marketing and sales opportunities.” He urged stakeholders, donors and institutions to work together in promoting technological solutions that empower women and families.
The Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Gabriel Iduseri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ebegue Evans Igho-Osagie, thanked Mrs. Anani for choosing Oredo as the host for the empowerment programme. He praised her past community projects, her strong communication efforts on social platforms and her dedication to supporting women in local communities. He prayed for God’s guidance and strength for her work.
The wife of the Oredo Local Government Chairman, Blessing Iduseri, also expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s efforts in supporting vulnerable families and prayed for her continued success. She noted that the empowerment will make a meaningful difference for many women who struggle with daily household needs.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Blessing Irebe, Eseosa Uwaifo and Catherine Adams, thanked Mrs. Anani for the clean stoves, pots and cash support. They prayed for her continued upliftment and described the gesture as timely support during a period of rising household expenses.
