PPDF Trains Three Communities in Ikot Abasi on building of fuel wood efficient stove, others
… calls for sustenance to promote clean energy, better environment
By Imó Etim
In a bid to create awareness on climate change, Peace Point Development Foundation( PPDF) and Energy Transmission Fund (ETF) has organized a 3-day training for 3 communities in Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
The training which was aimed at promoting environmental protection, peace building towards promoting climate justice and sustainable environmental practices in oil producing communities attracted a good number of indigenes of Uta Ewa, Opukalama and Ikpetim communities in Ikot Abasi local government area of the State.
The training kick-started on Monday, May 2, 2022 and lasted through Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Uta Ewa Community Hall in Ikot Abasi.
During Day 1 of the training, the team was received by members of the 3 communities at Uta Ewa community hall and the materials for production for the stove construction were mobilized to the venue. The village Chairman of Uta Ewa community, Elder Emmanuel Udofia said it was a welcomed development, expressing delight over such an enlightening opportunity given to his community.
Participants
He said: “It is indeed a rare opportunity to have people come to give back to our society in such an enlightening manner. We are happy to have you and we assure you of our full cooperation.”
Mr Umo Isua-iko, the Coordinator of PPDF, while setting the tone for the training, told participants their expectations, fears, ground rules and the objectives of the training.
Another resource persons, Blessing Nyong took participants on peace building education, the need for peaceful coexistence, usage and application of natural resources.
Also speaking on the event, was a resource person of PPDF, Mrs Okoho Ene who admonished the participants to take seriously what they were taught and put to practice as she took them on environmental protection, attitude towards green economy for Climate Justice.
During Day 2 of the training, participants from the 3 communities, Uta Ewa Opukalama and Ikpetim were grouped to take part in the practical of constructing fuel wood efficient stoves.
Mr Bassey Asuquo, who took the participants on the training said that the innovation of fuel wood efficient stove was indeed a great one as it availed the people a new cooking experience with reduced risk of inhaling toxic fumes and was far more economical than cooking with firewood the conventional way. Members of the various groups and communities took their turns to construct the stoves having watched the trainer do the same.
“The fuel wood efficient stove is an improvement on the sawdust method of cooking which many consider a very healthy way of cooking but the challenge of replacing sawdust with each cooking has been defeated with the use of clay mould mixed with sawdust.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=538033867734838&id=100022674784482
“With the use of clay, sawdust, thoroughly mixed with water, left in the mould and sundried, one could use a small quantity of firewood to cook meals for days and the stove can last as long as possible pending on the usage”, Bassey said.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=449257527006560&id=100022674784482
On the third day of training, it was time for the test running of the stoves by members of the community to ascertain how it worked. Members of the community in their groups made fire, cooked meals and narrated their experiences.
Stella Solomon, one of the participants from Uta Ewa said: “This is entirely a new experience, we have not seen such a thing, I appreciate this NGO for bringing this innovation to us.”
Sopirinye Jaja from Opukalama said: “I am very excited to have taken part in the training, I am not just pleased but even surprised to see that the stove cooked faster and with little or less smoke at all.
Magnus Akpan, a representative of the Ikpetim community said: This is indeed a blessing to all of us, and we are ready to embrace this development for the betterment of our lives.
The training was rounded off with a group photograph with members of PPDF and participants. The fuel wood efficient stoves handed over to the 3 communities which the chiefs and representatives received for effective distribution.
Chief Utitofon Ebong, the secretary of Uta Ewa community, in his closing remarks thanked the organization for coming to the community, describing the training as impactful and prayed for journey mercies for everyone.