Stakeholders have launched the Abia State Clean Cooking Alliance to promote access to clean cooking solutions and reduce dependence on traditional fuels such as fuelwood and charcoal.

The initiative aims to tackle the economic, health, environmental and gender challenges associated with traditional cooking practices by developing a coordinated approach that brings together government, civil society, and the private sector.

The high-level gathering attracted representatives from relevant ministries and agencies of the Abia State government, local government climate change desk officers, manufacturers, civil society groups, and people with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, represented by the Director of Climate Change in the ministry, Chris Ike, underscored the urgency of transitioning to clean cooking.

“Expanding the clean cooking sector is not just a climate and health imperative; it is part of Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s toolkit to grow the economy of Abia State. Our goal is to make Abia State the production and distribution hub for clean cooking solutions in the country,” he said.

In its resolution, the alliance agreed to develop a clean cooking action plan that would strengthen private sector involvement in the production and distribution of solutions such as LPG, electric cooking, and efficient wood and charcoal stoves.

The plan will also include a financing framework, stronger partnerships between the state and federal government, and greater public awareness campaigns.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, thanked the state’s technical partners, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED), for their support. She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

“In addressing climate change, the state government is focusing on strategic measures in energy, infrastructure, efficient transport systems and other economic development goals. As a state built on private enterprise, we will deploy this comparative advantage to achieve both our growth and climate ambitions,” she stated.

David Anyaele of the Abia State Disability Commission, speaking on behalf of civil society, stressed the importance of inclusivity and evidence-based planning.

“To ensure that we have an action plan that is fit for purpose, we must conduct a thorough baseline assessment. Only strong facts, figures and analysis will enable us to develop and implement a transformative clean cooking plan,” he said.

Applauding the state’s efforts, ICEED Executive Director Ewah Eleri noted that the Alex Otti administration has shown seriousness in addressing climate change and clean cooking.

“The governor has assembled a strong team to tackle environmental matters. It is a strong statement on his commitment to be a leader on the issues of the environment and green growth,” he remarked, pledging continued partnership with the state.