By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with IHS Nigeria, has embarked on the distribution of gas cookers to mothers in the FCT, as it launched Project Breathe Clean Air–Abuja Initiative to discourage the use of firewood to promote clean energy.
The project is aimed at reducing air pollution with the use of firewood, deaths, and illnesses linked to air pollution.
Cooking gas cylinders and refill vouchers were given to vulnerable households to discourage the use of firewood and charcoal use for a cleaner and safer environment.
Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, stated that the initiative is designed to improve both public health and environmental sustainability.
She said, “Health and environment are equals. Every household that moves away from firewood significantly reduces air pollution and helps preserve our trees and green spaces.”
According to Dr. Fasawe, the project includes awareness campaigns to educate residents on the link between air quality and health, stressing that indoor smoke remains a major cause of respiratory diseases across the territory.
Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, noted that the initiative is inclusive, with a focus on underserved communities.
He said, “Traditional reliance on firewood contributes heavily to deforestation and environmental degradation. This project offers a cleaner alternative that protects both the people and the environment in the long term.”
Executive Vice President, CEO, and Co-Founder of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, disclosed that the partnership seeks to help 5,000 mothers breathe “fresh air” by encouraging cleaner cooking practices that reduce exposure to harmful smoke.
Medical experts at the event also highlighted the health consequences of prolonged exposure to smoke from biomass fuels.
Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr. Hannatu Ayuba Usman, said the initiative targets avoidable health conditions.
“Managing lung cancer and other pollution-related diseases is physically and financially draining. Reducing firewood use cuts down the risk at the source,” she emphasized.
Stakeholders at the launch noted that as more households transition to cooking gas, the pressure on surrounding ecosystems—including tree loss, soil degradation, and rising temperatures—is expected to decline over time.
FCTA said the project is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda part to promote environmental health, reduce pollution, and create safer living conditions for residents of the Capital Territory.
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