Climate Change: Yobe Empowers 100 Women with 6kg Gas Cylinders
The North-East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has distributed 6kg gas cylinders to 100 women small-scale entrepreneurs across nine local government areas in northern Yobe State, providing them with a cleaner and more affordable alternative to firewood and charcoal. The distribution exercise was conducted at designated centres in Gashu’a, Geidam, and Nguru, and attracted key […]
The North-East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has distributed 6kg gas cylinders to 100 women small-scale entrepreneurs across nine local government areas in northern Yobe State, providing them with a cleaner and more affordable alternative to firewood and charcoal.
The distribution exercise was conducted at designated centres in Gashu’a, Geidam, and Nguru, and attracted key stakeholders from across the benefiting areas.
Speaking at the event, the NEAZDP Programme Manager, Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, said the intervention specifically targets small-scale business operators whose daily activities rely heavily on traditional cooking methods that contribute to deforestation.
Dr. Mato noted that the beneficiaries include tea and noodle vendors, soybean curd (awara) sellers, and other petty traders, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the support.
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He added that the transition to gas-powered cooking would not only reduce their operational costs over time but also improve efficiency and hygiene in their businesses.
According to NEAZDP, the programme is designed to promote the adoption of clean and energy-efficient alternatives to firewood and charcoal, which remain the dominant cooking fuels in many rural and semi-urban communities.
Dr. Mato emphasized that overreliance on traditional fuels has significantly contributed to the depletion of forest resources and accelerated desert encroachment in Yobe State and the wider North-East region.
“This campaign aims to reduce the pressure on our forest resources, which continue to face serious threats from indiscriminate tree felling. By introducing cleaner energy solutions, we are not only protecting the environment but also enhancing the socio-economic well-being of our people,” he said.
Each of the 100 beneficiaries received a 6kg gas cylinder, along with a token to facilitate an initial gas refill.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bade, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, commended NEAZDP and praised the efforts of Governor Mai Mala Buni, for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
He noted the Governor’s support for NEAZDP and other relevant agencies in fostering collaboration aimed at enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
He also urged community members to avoid indiscriminate tree felling and instead embrace the planting of economic and fruit trees for both nutritional and economic benefits.