From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has empowered 100 women entrepreneurs across nine local government areas in northern Yobe State with 6kg gas cylinders, offering a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to firewood and charcoal.
The distribution exercise, held on Thursday across centres in Gashu’a, Geidam, and Nguru, drew key stakeholders from the benefiting communities.
Speaking at the event, NEAZDP Programme Manager, Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, explained that the initiative targets small-scale business operators whose livelihoods depend on traditional cooking methods that contribute to environmental degradation.
Beneficiaries include tea and noodle vendors, Awara (soybean curd) sellers, and other petty traders, many of whom expressed gratitude for the intervention.
Dr. Mato noted that switching to gas-powered cooking would not only cut operational costs over time but also improve efficiency and hygiene in their businesses.
He added that the programme is part of a broader effort to promote clean and energy-efficient alternatives in rural and semi-urban communities, where firewood and charcoal remain dominant cooking fuels.
Highlighting the environmental impact, Dr. Mato stressed that excessive reliance on traditional fuels has led to deforestation and accelerated desert encroachment across Yobe State and the wider North-East region.
“This campaign aims to reduce pressure on our forest resources, which are under serious threat from indiscriminate tree felling,” he said.
“By introducing cleaner energy solutions, we are protecting the environment while improving livelihoods.”
Each beneficiary received a 6kg gas cylinder along with support for an initial refill, ensuring immediate usability.
NEAZDP expressed confidence that the initiative will significantly reduce dependence on firewood, curb environmental degradation, and promote sustainable livelihoods among vulnerable populations.
Council chairmen from the benefiting LGAs also praised the programme, describing it as timely, impactful, and vital for both economic empowerment and environmental protection.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to expanding similar interventions across the region to deepen impact and strengthen community resilience.
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