By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in partnership with the Imo State Government, has officially inaugurated the South East LPG Penetration Programme in Owerri, the state capital.

This event marks the completion of the programme’s nationwide rollout across all five geopolitical zones, championing a shift towards universal clean cooking.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, detailed the ambitious goals of the initiative under the Nigeria Decade of Gas agenda.

The programme aims to transition millions of households away from harmful fuels like firewood, charcoal, and kerosene to cleaner, safer Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Key national targets include the distribution of five million cylinders by 2030, converting one million homes annually, and boosting domestic LPG supply to six million metric tonnes per annum, a move expected to generate significant employment.

The Minister applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his steadfast support, particularly for releasing state officials to ensure the programme's success.

He urged beneficiaries to view the cylinders as instruments of empowerment in the fight against domestic energy poverty, announcing that the large-scale distribution of 30,000 cylinders per state would commence early next year.

Governor Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, pledged the South East zone’s full backing and assured the security of all programme assets.

He extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing women's empowerment and tackling energy poverty through such interventions, framing the initiative as a critical component of the national energy revolution.

The transformative health and environmental benefits of the programme were underscored by multiple speakers.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted that access to clean energy grants women time, health, and economic voice, dramatically reducing respiratory illnesses linked to traditional cooking methods.

Echoing this sentiment, the Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Barrister Emeka Mgbudem, celebrated the initiative for promoting safer, faster, and cleaner cooking.

He emphasized the broader impact: preserving forests, improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fulfilling national climate commitments. “The future begins in the kitchen,” he stated, championing the motto: “No Smoke. No Tears. Cook Clean. Live Healthy.”

The event, attended by a host of dignitaries from federal and state levels, as well as development partners, concluded with a unanimous reaffirmation of commitment to the programme’s success.

Earlier in the day, beneficiaries from across Imo State received practical training on the safe use of LPG for cooking, laying the groundwork for a healthier and more sustainable energy future in the region.

• Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and other government officials at the launch of the South-East LPG programme in Owerri, Imo State

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