,By DADA AYOKHAI
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has distributed modern clean-coal stoves and cooking pots to women in the Edo North Senatorial District.
The distribution exercise, held at the Council Hall in Auchi, Etsako-West Local Government Area, was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the BeLiEF & Care Foundation.
This event marks the third phase of a state-wide initiative that commenced in Edo Central on 22 October 2025 at Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, followed by Edo South on 11 November 2025 at Urhokpota Hall, Benin City.
The programme is a joint intervention between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the BeLiEF & Care Foundation—the pet project of Mrs. Anani—aimed at reducing household carbon emissions, improving public health, and empowering women who shoulder the majority of domestic cooking responsibilities.
In her address, Mrs. Anani described the distribution of the free climate-friendly clean-coal stoves to women in Edo North as a laudable milestone. She emphasized that access to cleaner cooking solutions directly improves health outcomes, eases household burdens, and economically empowers women.
“By providing access to clean and efficient cooking technologies, we are not only improving the health and well-being of our people but also empowering women, who are often at the forefront of managing household energy needs,” she said.
Mrs. Anani commended the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a “passionate and visionary leader,” and reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader vision for a resilient, environmentally conscious, and self-sustaining Edo State.
She added, “The provision of these clean-coal stoves represents a deliberate step toward reducing our carbon footprint, mitigating the effects of climate change, and promoting sustainable development across Edo State.”
She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Science and Technology for its collaboration and praised the women of Edo State for their resilience, innovation, and willingness to embrace cleaner technology. Mrs. Anani urged beneficiaries to use the stoves responsibly to improve their daily living conditions, safeguard their health, and contribute to a greener environment.
The wife of the Etsako-West Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Okwilague Shining, appreciated Mrs. Anani for championing an initiative that uplifts women, promotes safer cooking practices, and supports economic growth across Edo State through cleaner and more efficient household energy alternatives.
Some beneficiaries—including Aganaku Oluremi Juliet, Ainoje Franca Dad, Cosenimola Fumilaya, Goodness Michael, and Idowu Gloria Alabi—expressed profound gratitude to the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, for the clean-coal stoves and pots, noting that the gesture will significantly improve their daily household activities.
The highlights of the ceremony was the distribution of over 250 climate-friendly clean-coal stoves to women across the Edo North Senatorial District.
