By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officially concluded its landmark “Project Breathe Clean Air Abuja” campaign with distribution of 10,000 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to residents across the FCT’s six Area Councils.
The closing ceremony held recently, at the Bwari Mini Stadium marked the Sponsored by IHS Nigeria, the initiative aims to combat indoor air pollution, boost public health, and champion clean cooking alternatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment Programmes, Hajiya Maijida Adamu Kuku, highlighted indoor air pollution as a severe public health threat that disproportionately affects women and children.
“Expanding access to clean cooking energy will reduce harmful smoke exposure, improve health outcomes, and contribute to a safer, more sustainable environment for FCT residents,”Dr Mahmoud stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, explained that the initiative was conceptualized under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
She added that the project directly addresses the long-term health and environmental hazards of relying on firewood and charcoal.
According to her, FCTA studies, many households continue to use firewood due to a lack of awareness regarding its health risks and the high upfront cost of LPG equipment.
Dr. Fasawe noted that prolonged smoke exposure triggers respiratory illnesses, allergies, burns, and other preventable complications, particularly among women, children, and the elderly.
She noted that rather than simply discouraging firewood usage, the FCTA adopted a proactive approach by providing tangible resources.
With the backing of IHS Nigeria, the programme equipped over 10,000 households with gas cylinders Gas burners and LPG refill vouchers.
This comprehensive package enables families to transition seamlessly to a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable cooking method, while simultaneously boosting daily productivity and protecting the local environment.
Reaffirming the company’s dedication to sustainable community development, the Executive Vice President & CEO of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Darwish, represented by Mr. Dapo Otunla, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer, revealed that the partnership extends beyond clean energy.
He stated that in a significant boost to social welfare, the first 2,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled in the IHS “Clinic Without Walls Health Insurance Scheme” for one year, granting them free access to quality healthcare through partner facilities.
To ensure the initiative yields long-term benefits, Mr. Darwish emphasized that robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks have been put in place.
According him: “Together, the FCTA and IHS Nigeria are driving the vision of a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Federal Capital Territory—one household at a time.”
