The Federal Government, yesterday, flagged off the State-Level Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder distribution programme in Yenagoa, Bayelsà State, with the free distribution of 3kg cylinders to households in the eight local council areas.

The programme under the Decade of Gas National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme (NGLPP) was created to transform five million Nigerian households through secure access to clean, affordable gas for cooking and economic growth.

In his keynote address, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government aimed at accelerating the adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a clean cooking fuel across Nigeria.

He said the programme seeks to improve access to cleaner energy, enhance public health, reduce environmental degradation associated with traditional cooking fuels, promote women’s empowerment, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities across the country.

He said: “This occasion is not merely an event; it is a landmark moment in our collective journey towards cleaner energy, healthier homes, and a more prosperous nation.

“By taking this pioneering step, Bayelsa State has earned a distinguished place in history as the launch state for this transformative national initiative.

“At the heart of this programme lies a simple but powerful conviction: that the promise of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas must translate into dignity, safety, and improved wellbeing for our people.

In his welcome address, the Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas, ED Ubong, said the key pillars of the programme were to ensure that between now and 2030, five million homes move to using cooking gas, which translates to 1 million homes a year and 27,000 households in Bayelsa.

The Bayelsà State Governor, Douye, while appreciating the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led Federal Government, highlighted the positive impact it will have on the state’s residents, particularly those who have long endured challenges related to environmental degradation and economic disparities.

Diri said the collaborative efforts of the federal and state governments, partners, and sponsors are instrumental in driving positive change and improving the lives of Nigerians through sustainable energy solutions.