Government unveils organic charcoal for domestic cooking
Following the high price of kerosene and gas commonly used for domestic cooking by the people, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, has unveiled Eedu Ramoni, an alternative source of energy for domestic food preparation, especially in cities and rural communities in the country.
Recall that the outlet price of cooking gas is N1,350 per kilogramme while kerosene also costs between N1,350 and N1,500 per litre in petrol stations across the country.
AbdulRazaq at a state function on unveiling of planting of 160,000 trees for land reclamation across the 16 local governments in the state and unveiling of Eedu Ramoni in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Friday, said that the charcoal made from organic materials including maize, rice and banana husk would empower the people and save costs in their domestic cooking and food preparation.
The programme was organised by the Kwara State Government in collaboration with the Universal Climate Initiative and the Federal Government’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, Eedu Ramoni, an initiative of the Universal Climate Initiative would boost the preservation of forest trees hitherto used for the preparation of Charcoal mainly used for domestic cooking in cities and rural areas and reduce the risk of smoke associated with Charcoal made from trees.
The governor whose address was read by the state Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, said, “This initiative promises to empower our communities through the introduction of energy-saving stoves and the support of locally produced components.”
In his address, the initiator and project lead of UCI, Mr AbdulHafiz Alao, explained that Eedu Ramoni is a revolutionary, eco-friendly briquette made from 100% organic raw materials, including agricultural waste products like orange peels, banana peels, corn husks, rice husks, and other biodegradable waste.
He said, “The innovative product will serve as a sustainable and cleaner alternative to traditional charcoal, which is typically made by cutting down trees.”
He listed the benefits of Eedu Ramoni as environmental sustainability since it is produced entirely from organic waste; reducing the need for deforestation, offering a viable substitute for charcoal, and helping to protect forests by ensuring that trees are preserved for industrial use rather than for burning.
Alao said Eedu Ramoni would guarantee a cleaner and healthier environment, unlike conventional charcoal, which produces harmful smoke and pollutants.
He added that it also assures job opportunities, particularly for youth and women in rural communities.
“Through collaboration with our technical consultants, we provide training on how to produce these briquettes, allowing individuals to generate income while contributing to environmental conservation.
“Made from readily available agricultural waste, the item is affordable, accessible, and a cost-effective fuel option, particularly for rural areas where traditional charcoal is either expensive or hard to come by”, Alao said
