By tf-lawyer.com **Interview with Olawale Akinkumi, CEO of Greenplinth Africa**
Peter Uzoho: Can you tell us about Greenplinth Africa’s recent agreement for the Cookstoves Project?
Olawale Akinkumi: Absolutely. We’ve just signed a groundbreaking $1.5 billion agreement for carbon credits, which will fund our initiative to distribute free clean cookstoves to women and households across Nigeria. This project is part of a larger effort aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions.
PU: What are the main goals of the Cookstoves Project?
OA: The primary goal is to address the alarming statistic that over 180 million Nigerians currently lack access to clean-cooking fuels and technologies. By deploying these clean cookstoves at no cost to beneficiaries, we aim to cut down the reliance on traditional firewood for cooking by over 90%.
PU: Can you elaborate on the project components?
OA: Certainly! The project encompasses the procurement, pre-fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of highly efficient fuel wood cookstoves. Additionally, we plan to plant 4 billion trees, with the goal of planting 50 trees for every cookstove distributed by 2030.
PU: What measures will you implement to ensure the project’s success?
OA: It’s crucial that we conduct robust sensitization campaigns and provide training for users, particularly within households throughout all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Education will be key in maximizing the benefits of these clean cookstoves.
PU: How do these cookstoves differ from traditional cooking methods?
OA: The clean cookstoves we are providing make use of waste wood, in stark contrast to traditional methods that rely on large amounts of firewood. Because the project is funded through carbon credits, these cookstoves will be distributed for free, which is quite revolutionary.
PU: What are the broader implications of this project for Nigerian women?
Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, emphasized the health impacts of this project. She stated, “We need clean cookstoves to help our women lead healthier lives, create a healthier environment, and lower cooking costs. The money saved can be redirected to other household needs.”
PU: How does this initiative contribute to environmental sustainability?
GA: The clean stoves will reduce the need for deforestation and help combat erosion, desert encroachment, and flooding. Consequently, this will result in more arable land available for farming, contributing to food security.
PU: What does this project mean for the future of women empowerment in Nigeria?
Titilayo Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change, highlighted the project as a significant step towards improving health, empowering women, and protecting our environment.
PU: Lastly, what does this partnership signify on a global scale?
Jonathan Ojadah, Global President of the UNIPGC, expressed his enthusiasm for joining forces with Greenplinth Africa. He noted that this initiative not only addresses greenhouse gas emissions but also empowers families by providing them with sustainable cooking solutions. It’s a win-win for both the environment and disadvantaged communities in Nigeria.
