The Commissioner for Environment, Abia State, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, has reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
He made this statement on Friday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the official launch of the Abia State Clean Cooking Plan, a major initiative aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing environmental degradation in the state.
According to the Commissioner, one of the landmark achievements of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration is the establishment of a Climate Change Department within the Ministry of Environment. He explained that the department has been mandated to coordinate and implement climate change initiatives, protect the environment, and accelerate climate-resilient development across the state’s 17 local government areas.
Ogbonna disclosed that the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED), developed the Clean Cooking Action Plan to align with key national and international climate and energy frameworks.
He noted that the implementation of the Clean Cooking Plan will significantly reduce dependence on firewood, help curb deforestation, improve public health outcomes, and create employment opportunities through local manufacturing, assembly, and distribution of clean cookstoves.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa, stated that the Clean Cooking Plan was the outcome of six months of intensive stakeholder consultations and technical work carried out by the Ministry’s Department of Climate Change in strategic collaboration with ICEED.
Oriuwa expressed deep appreciation to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for providing the leadership, support, and policy direction that made the successful development of the Clean Cooking Plan possible.
