By Patience Chat Moses
Smart Gas Company Limited has partnered with Odiolowo and Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ilupeju in Lagos State to encourage a cleaner environment and reduce the emission of gas into the air.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Company said that the move also ensures the protection of the ozone layer and avoids the effect of climate change.
The statement explained that the Company intends to achieve this by promoting the use of cooking gas as a safer alternative to kerosene, firewood, and charcoal.
It added that about 370 gas cookers would be given out to some of the residents of the local government in exchange for trash by the Company.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Smart Gas, Dr. Yinka Opeke, said the Firm is very passionate about the environment and as a responsible company, it is concerned about the effect of climate change.
“We are also collaborating with the government in the area of provision of recycling centers through Lagos State Waste Management Agency while we provide gas cylinders. We are also willing to work with private organisations that are ready to collaborate with us in the area of dealing with environmental challenges,” he said.
Opeke said that the nation is facing environmental challenges that are threatening the living conditions and livelihood of the people.
“In Lagos, for example, we have experienced the devastating impact of flooding during the rainy season, hence we are at war with the idea of wastes blocking the drainages while gas usage will reduce the emission of gas into the atmosphere,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Odiolowo and Ojuwoye LCDA, Rasaq Ajala appreciated the collaboration with Smart Gas, especially giving out about 370 already filled gas cylinders to the residents of the Local government in exchange with waste with a view to discouraging the use of firewood, kerosene, and charcoal.
He lauded the magnanimity of the company for the first phase of the gift of gas cylinders.
He expressed hope that the gesture would go a long way to bringing sanity to the environment and waste-free drainages in the area.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented at the event by the Director of Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement who doubles as Acting General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Kayode Bello said wastes should be separated from plastics, bottles, and food waste from home with the realization that wastes can be converted to wealth which many people can take advantage of.