The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has formally flagged off the North West LPG Penetration Programme with the distribution of 500 gas cylinders to women and youth in Sokoto State.
Ekpo emphasised the importance of the programme, stating that it would significantly reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuels and promote cleaner energy sources.
“Today, we embark on a journey to transform the lives of our people.
“We will harness the power of LPG to drive economic growth, improve health, and enhance the overall well-being of our citizens,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted the benefits of the programme, noting that it would not only improve the health and well-being of citizens but also create economic opportunities and reduce the environmental impact of traditional cooking fuels.
“This programme is a significant step towards achieving our goal of increasing access to clean energy and promoting sustainable development.
“We have put in place a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the programme achieves its objectives.
“We will work closely with the state government and other stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of the programme are felt by all,” he said.
Ekpo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in providing better opportunities for Nigerians.
“We are grateful for the President’s commitment to improving the lives of our citizens, and we are proud to be part of this administration’s efforts to drive economic growth and development,” he added.
Also speaking, the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, noted that the programme would have a significant impact on the lives of the people of Sokoto State, particularly women and children, who are most affected by the use of traditional cooking fuels.
“We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at improving the lives of our citizens, and we believe that this programme will contribute significantly to our state’s development,” Governor Aliyu said.
The Governor also commended the Federal Government’s initiative, highlighting that Sokoto State is proactively working towards environmental conservation through annual tree-planting exercises across the 23 local government areas.
“This initiative aims to restore green cover, protect the soil, and secure a better future for generations to come,” he added.
Governor Aliyu further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the attention given to the oil exploration project in Kalmalo, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, urging the relevant authorities to expedite the project’s implementation for the benefit of the country.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for its efforts in promoting clean energy and improving the lives of Nigerians.
“We welcome this initiative and urge all our people to take advantage of the benefits that come with using clean energy,” he said.
The Sultan expressed hope that the development of the Sokoto Basin’s resources would bring prosperity and economic growth to the region, benefiting the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole.