The Jigawa State Government has assured it will continue to ensure the protection of the environment through the conservation of natural resources.

The state’s Commission for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, said this at a one-day sensitisation for women on Save80 clean cookstoves in Dutse.

Ms Abdulwahab said that the workshop, organised by a German NGO, Atmosfair Save80, in collaboration with National Council on Climate Change was in line with the 12-point agenda of Governor Umar Namadi.

She said that the target was to ensure sustainable utilisation of natural resources through protection, afforestation, reforestation and enforcement of compliance with environmental safeguards protocols.

“It is imperative that we act swiftly to address the adverse effects of climate change, such as flooding, desert encroachment, erosion, and other natural disasters on the environment. Our environmental policies and programs will be designed to mitigate these effects and promote sustainable development.

“I am confident that this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical solutions that will contribute significantly to achieving the goal of environmental sustainability in Jigawa State. And I am very sure that you will put into practice what we are going to learn today,” she said.

The commissioner commended the organisers for their efforts in addressing climate change

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Environment, Dr Abdullahi Namadi, described the workshop as a welcome development, as the state government had been trying to have partners outside its circle.

Mr Namadi said the government had fabricated and distributes 750 improved stoves across the state.

“Today is a great day for the control of deforestation and climate change in Jigawa State because we have been trying to have partners outside the government taking responsibility. The state government has the issue of climate and climate resilience as one of its agendas and we’ve trying to drive the process. And in line with that, this year alone, we’ve fabricated and distributed 570 stoves for use in the state. This is in addition to earlier ones and it will continue like this,” Mr Namdi said.

He assured that the ministry would continue to combat climate change and protect the environment.

Earlier, the Director-General, NCCC, Salisu Dahiru stated that cooking with firewood and charcoal usually leads to emission of gas that causes climate change, deforestation and affects women’s health.

Mr Dahiru, represented by the Director Climate Development, Kingsley Nwabuwa, said that one of the activities of man that caused release of the gases responsible for global warming and climate change was his dependence on firewood for cooking.

He said that in an attempt to reduce this dependence on firewood the council was partnering with the NGO to bring the stove called “Stove80.”

The DG added that the gesture was to make more women across the country have access to the stoves for easy cooking.

“The council has encouraged the NGO to partner with the banking institution to make the stoves affordable and accessible,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Advisory Board, Atmosfair Germany, Faruk Malami-Yabo, said the use of the stoves would help to address deforestation, improve women’s health and reduce energy cost.

(NAN)