Oando Plc boosts traders’ fortunes with LPG gas stove

Oando Marketing Plc has initiated a new social benefit scheme aimed at alleviating the sufferings of Nigerian women entrepreneur in the food business by making available Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to them at affordable prices.

Specifically, the company distributed LPG Cooking Gas Stoves to women entrepreneurs in Ipetumodu area of Osun State weekend.
The women, who are in the famous business of frying beans cake (Akara Osu) along Ibadan-Ife Expressway, turned out in their thousands to receive the Oando team led by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Olaposi Williams in a well attended ceremony.

Speaking at the flag of the LPG Gas Stove distribution, Chief Operating Officer, Olaposi Williams, said Oando was motivated “to embark on this initiative first to alleviate the sufferings of the women who are exposed to health problems arising from the use of firewood in frying their “akara” as well as ensuring a switch from the use of firewood to a cleaner and safer fuel, which is LPG”.

She stated that over the years, the women have been renowned for their trade, popularly called “Akara Osu”, but that they have over the years been exposed to sufferings and poor health resulting from inhaling smokes from firewood.
“We at Oando have looked at the health issues associated with the use of firewoods and sufferings of these enterprising women and have decided to give back to this community by initiating this social benefit scheme as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility”.

Williams said the company is also poised to ensure that Nigerians switch over from using firewood to LPG, which is a cleaner and safer fuel. She disclosed that Nigeria being the fifth largest country producing LPG should not be the least to imbibe the culture of using LPG, adding that is one of the reasons why Oando Marketing, a leading oil marketer in the country is spearheading the switch starting from the bottom of the pyramid by going to the low income earners who form the bulk of people that use firewood.

Speaking in a similar vein, Head of Liquefied Gas, Ganiyu Azeez said the company had last month given out thirty units of LPGs Gas Stove and would also in a couple of weeks give out another 30 units to other beneficiaries in the community. He stated that the company will ensure all the women in the area are converted into using LPG Gas Stove so as to ensure the preservation of the environment.

Also speaking at the occasion, representative of the commissioner in the Ministry of Environment, a director, Forest Regeneration and Utilization Department, Ayo Akinromade commended Oando Marketing Plc for the initiative, noting that such a laudable step will help government’s drive to preserve the environment.

He encouraged the women to cease the opportunity provided by Oando Marketing Plc in switching over from firewood to LPG so as to guarantee a safe environment for all.

Responding, on behalf of the traders, Iyaloja/Founder of Ipetumodu Market Women Association, Chief Mrs. Grace Kayode Oyatomi expressed gratitude to Oando, disclosing that the initiative will certainly herald a new dawn in the business of her members.
“We are grateful to Oando for this giant stride. Today marks the beginning of a new life in the business of our members.

Recounting what her members had gone through over the years while they were using firewood, Oyatomi said the traders used to be dirty and unkempt as they inhale smokes from firewood which often gave them sickness.

She stated that some of the women could hardly see very well again having being exposed to firewood smoke for over 36 years, a development which she noted will be arrested as the traders switch over to the use of LPG Stove.

Similarly, the representative of the traditional ruler, of Ipetumodu, Agbaakin of Ipetumodu, Chief Akinloye Olarewaju commended Oando for the gesture and assured that the traditional ruler of the area is prepared to give the company a parcel of land to set up their operations if need be.