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Experts urge Nigerians to start cooking with gas, as Africare appoints IPCCs to educate public

By Olaoluwa Ogungbe
28 July 2017   |   4:17 am
Experts have warned that majority of Nigerians in the rural and urban areas of the country who still use the traditional means of cooking with coals, woods and kerosene are prone to a lot of health related dangers.

Experts have warned that majority of Nigerians in the rural and urban areas of the country who still use the traditional means of cooking with coals, woods and kerosene are prone to a lot of health related dangers.

In this wise, they have been urged to embrace cooking with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) popularly known as cooking gas.

In its bid to create awareness and educate the public on the countless importance of cooking with gas, Africare, a non-governmental organization yesterday launched the “Upgrade to Gas pilot project” at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, Lagos.

Africare, which was founded in 1970 in response to drought affecting Mali, Niger and some northern parts of Nigeria, mobiliSed residents of the Ikorodu Central area to sensitise them towards the use of cooking gas in their different homes.

While addressing the audience, the Country Director of Africare, Dr. Orode Doherty, relayed that the project, which is scheduled to cut across different parts of the country, is to change the behaviour of Nigerians about the use of cooking gas towards stopping the use of traditional cooking means.

Doherty further added, “We have come to tell you that the use of gas is cost effective, time-saving and very safe, we implore you to switch completely to the use of gas.”

She continued that the dangers involved in cooking with firewood and charcoals are limitless and very fatal. “Cooking with firewood three times a day is tantamount to smoking 400 sticks of cigarettes in a day which is highly deadly for our system,” she warned.

As part of the project, Africare also presented the registered Interpersonal Communication Conductors (IPCCs) to the residents of the area. “These IPCCs are the officials appointed by Africare to sensitise and educate the people towards the use of gas for cooking in our homes.”

The Lagos state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olawale Oluwo represented by the Head of Oil and Gas, Lagos state ministry, Eng. Antonio Ayodele also expressed profound appreciation towards the launch of the project. Ayodele also labeled Africare as a worthy partner working towards the desired goal of eradicating the use of traditional cooking fuel.

“We identify with Africare as a worthy partner and the Lagos state government is extremely happy towards this feat, we wish you a huge success as you launch this campaign”, he added.

Also, his royal majesty, Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali of Igbogbo kingdom ably represented by High Chief Jelil Oduntan on behalf of the residents expressed immense joy and gratitude towards the launching of the project. He thanked the organisers for the rare opportunity given to the people of the area.

The Business Director of STB MC Cann and one of the project partners of Africare, Mr. Tola Oyebade also lauded the efforts of the organisers towards achieving this great feat and promises more formidable support to the organization.

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