Kogi to fight deforestation with coal stove, briquettes

KOGI state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has inaugurated Coal Briquettes and Stove manufacturing company in the state as an alternative to cooking and to tackle deforestation.

The move would also go a long way in promoting rural development and the economy of the areas would be developed.

The coal briquettes are produced by IMEX Mineral Resources & Processing Company in Ankpa Local Government Area, a subsidiary of ETA-ZUMA Group West Africa Limited.

Speaking at the inauguration, Bello said that he was impressed that government’s efforts at promoting industrialisation were being appreciated, particular usage of solid minerals for development.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Sanusi Yahaya, said the use of briquette stove would discourage deforestation, prevent desertification and help to protect the environment.

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According to him, wood is being cut for charcoal but briquette is cheaper, safer and affordable and would discourage people from cutting down our trees for firewood.

He said, “Kogi is a host to Mining companies that are adding value by producing briquettes and creating job opportunities for our people through the value chain in terms of production, packaging, transportation marketing, among others.

“The government is already sponsoring a bill at the House of Assembly to create an agency that will be involved in solid mineral development, and equally have mineral processing company that will partner with the private sector.

“We are very proud of this investment by IMEX and we want to have more of this kind of company in Kogi where the state will benefit directly in addition to revenue generation.

“Besides, this will also create job opportunities for our people through the value chain in terms of production, packaging, transportation marketing, among others.

“We desire to improve on our raw materials particularly agro- raw materials and the solid minerals which the state is highly endowed with; we are friendly to investors and waiting for more of them to come”.

The Chairman of the company, Dr Innocent Ezuma, said the briquette stove would serve as an alternative source of fuel, tackle deforestation, desertification, unemployment and promote the health of the people of the state, especially in the rural areas.

He added that the company was the first of its kind in West Africa which produce a minimum of 2,000 tonnes of briquettes per month”.

The Attah of Igala, Dr Michael Idakwo Ameh-Oboni II, said that he was overwhelmed that this kind of project was established in his domain which would benefit his people, Kogi, Nigeria and Africa at large.

“This project is the first of its kind in Igala nation, the factory has come to our land as a result of a good initiative from a good heart. We will do everything possible to retain the company in our domain”.