FENRAD joins stakeholders at validation workshop for Abia State clean cooking action plan

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has announced its active participation in the Validation Workshop for the Abia State Clean Cooking Action Plan.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the workshop was convened by the Abia State Ministry of Environment under the leadership of Philoemon Asonye Ogbonna, Honourable Commissioner for Environment, in partnership with the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED), the technical lead for the Action Plan development process.

The event brought together stakeholders from sectoral ministries, local governments, MDAs, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and climate-change actors to review and refine the draft Action Plan ahead of its official launch.

The inclusive process ensures that the final document reflects contributions from all relevant sectors.

As a strategic partner, FENRAD—working closely with ICEED—is conducting a comprehensive baseline study of the informal clean-cooking sector and local fabricators across Abia State. This joint assessment examines local production systems, technology adoption, market dynamics, and household energy-use patterns, providing critical evidence to strengthen the Clean Cooking Action Plan and guide effective implementation.

FENRAD specially commended the Director, Department of Climate Change, Mr. Chris Ike, for skillfully piloting the stakeholder-engagement process.

His leadership, coordination, and commitment were instrumental in ensuring broad participation and effective collaboration among all actors involved in the development of the Action Plan.

During the workshop, FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to environmental rights, climate justice, and supporting Abia State’s transition to cleaner household energy.

The organization emphasized the need for policies that are inclusive, data-driven, gender-responsive, and supportive of local enterprise development within the clean-energy sector.

FENRAD applauded the Abia State Government—particularly the Ministry of Environment—and ICEED for fostering a participatory and technically robust process, as well as the contributions of civil-society partners and other stakeholders whose insights enriched the validation exercise.

As the Abia State Clean Cooking Action Plan moves toward official unveiling, FENRAD remained committed to supporting its implementation and championing a cleaner, healthier, and more climate-resilient Abia State.