..says it  will address energy challenges
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Federal Government has stated that adoption of clean cookstoves in Nigeria will address the health challenges caused by polluted air from traditional cook stoves faced by millions of women and children in the country.
The Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha stated this,, at a two day gender- sensitization  training workshop on adoption of clean cooking solutions for sustainable development for women in Nasarawa state.
He added that the adoption of clean cookstoves will not only address energy health challenges but also promote gender equality through empowerment of women.
“As we gather here today, we recognize the pivotal role that clean cooking solutions play in not only ensuring access to safe and sustainable energy but also in empowering women and promoting gender equality.
 In many households, particularly in rural areas, women bear the primary responsibility for cooking using traditional methods that often pose serious health risks and environmental hazards. Through the adoption of clean cookstoves, we aim to mitigate these challenges, improve health outcomes, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance the socio- economic well-being of women and their families.
This workshop serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaborative action towards promoting the widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions tailored to the needs and realities of women who bear the brunt of air pollution from the traditional method of cooking,he added.
Speaking further on the  workshop, Dr
Mustapha said it will underscore the commitment to mainstreaming gender considerations in energy policies and initiatives, recognizing that women are not only disproportionately affected by energy poverty but also possess unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are invaluable in shaping effective solutions.
He therefore encouraged all participants to actively engage, share experiences, and forge partnerships that will contribute to the success of our collective efforts.
 “Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more equitable future, where clean cooking solutions empower women, protect the environment, and drive sustainable development for generations to come.”
Director-General,Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Dr. Charles Odii said adoption of innovation and technology is essential to enhancement of different economic sectors.
Dr  Odii,who was represented by the Assistant Chief Enterprise Officer, Mrs. Idorenyin Etim stressed that technology adherence improve efficiency and drive economic development.
He congratulated the executives and staff of energy Commission of Nigeria on this Initiative, and assured them of continuous collaboration.