98,000 Nigerian women die from use of firewood, charcoal annually
Over 98,000 women in Nigeria die annually from the use of firewood and charcoal with the Niger Delta recording 21,000 deaths from the figure.
The Managing and Chief Executive Officer, Gas 360, Emmanuel Uwandu disclosed this on Friday in his key note presentation during the groundbreaking of the 20,000 metric tonnes of Liquified Petroleum Gas Depot Project by Windek Energy Limited held at Atabrikang Aquaha Ibeno local government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He revealed further that cooking with firewood and charcoal is equivalent to smoking 20 package of cigarettes, adding that such is what Nigerian women go through on daily basis.
Uwandu said: “Cooking with firewood, charcoal is equivalent to smoking 20 package of cigarettes For an average smoker that is too much, that is what women in Nigeria have to deal with on a daily basis.
“In Nigeria 98, 000 women die annually from the use of firewood and charcoal and across the 774 local governments that translates to about 2,700 deaths annually.
“In Niger Delta alone 21, 000 women die from the use of firewood and charcoal. If we bring that home to Akwa Ibom State 31 Local governments 75 women die every year from the use of firewood and charcoal”.
While noting that cooking with ‘dirty’ fuel is the highest killer, the MD expressed regret that attention is given to malaria and HIV Aids while nobody is talking about dirty fuel
“Today, in Nigeria, cooking with dirty fuel is the highest killer of Nigerians but for some reasons malaria and HIV get the attention, nobody talk about cooking with dirty fuel. Globally, 4.6bn dollars was provided to fight against malaria and HIV for Nigeria but clean cooking receives less than 200 million dollars, we have to do more” He stated.
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He called on Nigeria governments both at the national and subnational levels to unlock global opportunities for clean cooking adding that what the global committee wants is to “see a clean action plans on policy and support for government to transform their communities from dirty fuel to clean cooking.”
Also speaking the Managing Director of Windek Energy Limited Mrs Nosa Igiehon Okunbo said that the company is not just launching a project but igniting a movement to encourage Energy use across the country.’
She added that the company is committed towards ensuring that deaths resulting from dirty cooking is prevented
She added: “In our latest LPG facility we are not just launching a project, we are igniting a movement to receive energy use across Nigeria. Every year more than 600 women in Africa lose their lives to smokes from dirty cooking fuel, this is preventable tragedy that we are determined to tackle headlong. With this facility we are moving beyond business as usual and driving fuel for future where free energy is accessible to all”
In his brief remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum (gas) Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo appreciated Windek for their commitment to the project which he said marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards Energy security and economic prosperity.
The minister said: “Iam delighted to join you today at this ground breaking ceremony for 20,000 metric tonnes of LPG depot at Atabrikang Aquaha, Ibeno within the Liberty Oil and gas free zone here in Akwa Ibom State.
“First and foremost, i extent my appreciation to Windek Energy for their visionary commitment to this project which marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards Energy security and economic prosperity.
“The establishment of this Depot underscores the importance of strategic investment in the gas sector which is pivotal for driving industrialisation creating jobs and improving the livelihood of our people.
“As we gather here today to reaffirm our collective resolve to harness the immense potential of our natural resources particularly in the gas sector, Nigeria is blessed with standard gas reserves and it’s incumbent on us to leverage this resources efficiently and sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Governor of Akwa Ibom State Umo Eno who was represented by the deputy Govenor, Senator Akon Ayakenyi while expressing his happiness over the project said that the establishment of the project does not only underscores the state’s commitment towards enhancing Energy capacity but signifies the growth and progress of Akwa Ibom State.
“This event marks a significant milestone in the development of our state energy infrastructure and the broader economic landscape of Nigeria. The establishment of this Depot does not only underscores our commitment towards enhancing our energy capacity but also signifies the potentials for growth and prosperity in Akwa Ibom State”.