By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
On Friday, October 18, 2024, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) distributed starter packs to its trainees who recently completed training in Fabrication of Energy Efficient Stoves, Briquettes and Charcoal Production, and Solar Installation in Damaturu, Yobe State.
During the handover ceremony, NEDC Managing Director Muhammed Alkali highlighted that the training targeted 558 beneficiaries, initially trained in Bauchi.
“These training packs are distributed in batches: 5 beneficiaries trained in Bauchi, 25 in Damaturu for briquettes and charcoal production, and 20 in Maiduguri for solar installation and repair,” he stated.
Represented by NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Abbas, the Managing Director emphasized the commission’s commitment to supporting the beneficiaries.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for providing a conducive environment for the commission to fulfill its mandate.
“In all our activities and programs, the state governor and his team have been incredibly supportive. We must acknowledge their efforts.
“We will continue to collaborate with the state government to support climate change mitigation and ensure a sustainable environment for current and future generations.” He said.
The beneficiaries, selected from existing business outfits, are expected to further train others in the state.
“This is a train-the-trainer program aimed at wealth creation,” he explained. “Those involved in stove making are already in the business, and those in solar installations and repair are electricians or solar panel engineers.”
Regarding the selection criteria, he added, “We collaborated with their associations and the Ministry of Environment to identify and select the most suitable candidates for the training.”
The program’s intent is to empower individuals already in the business rather than starting with newcomers who might sell the items, which would not align with the program’s goals.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Tonga Betara Bularafa, praised the commission’s efforts, noting that the state government, in collaboration with the commission, is working to provide more support for briquettes and charcoal production. This initiative aims to curb indiscriminate tree cutting and contribute to climate change mitigation in the state.
“The Ministry of Environment has procured over one thousand briquette machines ready for distribution, particularly to those in the briquettes and charcoal production business,” Bularafa explained. “We also have fabricated stoves ready for distribution by the state government.”
He emphasized that these measures will help control climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prevent the indiscriminate cutting of trees.
Speaking with Journalists, a climate change management expert Ahmed Mohammed Abubakar highlighted the importance of addressing greenhouse gas emissions. He commended the commission’s efforts and urged beneficiaries to utilize the items effectively for the state’s benefit and their income generation.
“We will transform waste management into wealth creation,” he concluded.
