Lagos – The UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Friday said it would train 500 women in Makoko area of Lagos on the use of solar stoves for fish processing.
A co-organiser of the programme, Mr Segun Adaju, also the Chief Executive Officer, The Kings Domain Ltd, made this known during a sensitisation event
for women in Makoko, Lagos.
Adaju said the programme was an initiative sponsored by the UNDP under its Global Energy Facility Programmes to provide clean energy solutions to underdeveloped areas where firewood and poor electricity abound.
He said that the women would also be trained in the use of the specialised stoves to create other jobs for youths.
He added that “if you notice this place, asides from the unkempt environment, you will see that the smoke from homes can choke.
“You often wonder how they cope, but it is also unfortunate that over 200 homes here are not covered by the national grid.
“This means that their primary source of energy is either firewood, candles or kerosene lanterns.
“The vision of our organisation is to provide an alternative to energy source, as no one can operate in darkness.
“The smoke is a huge health threat to the people and poses the risk of fire outbreak and contributes adversely to climate change.
“Under this programme, 500 women will be trained on the use of specialised solar stoves to use in cooking and smoking their fish.”
Adaju said that the initiative would be replicated all over the country, noting that solar and other forms of alternative energy could power
the country, only if the citizens were willing to embrace it like the telecommunications services.
Mr Raheem Gbotoun, one of the traditional chiefs in Makoko lauded the organisers of the programme, saying
it would provide jobs for youths and enlighten the people on health issues. (NAN)
