Stakeholders have championed clean cooking practices to improve health and environmental outcomes following a recently held NaijaCookWise campaign in Abuja.

According to a statement, the event, organised by SustyVibes, brought together government officials, NGOs, manufacturers, community leaders, innovators and youth advocates to advance cleaner, safer and more accessible cooking solutions nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Chief of Staff at SustyVibes, Sonia Ugwunna, described the stakeholder dialogue as “a crucial milestone” in the campaign’s mission to raise awareness and promote the use of cleaner cooking fuels.

Ugwunna said, “This initiative embodies our commitment to evidence-informed advocacy, inclusive engagement and behaviour-centred approaches. Change must begin by addressing the root drivers of the status quo. This dialogue reminded us that only through consistent collaboration and strategic thinking can we build a future where clean cooking is accessible, affordable, and embraced by all.”

Participants at the dialogue identified economic empowerment as a key driver for accelerating the adoption of clean energy. They also stressed the need to prioritise underserved communities and ensure no one is left behind, particularly in the campaign’s pilot states.

The forum also spotlighted the role of education in bridging the knowledge gap around clean energy solutions. Stakeholders agreed that sustained sensitisation efforts, especially among young people, are essential for lasting impact.

The NaijaCookWise campaign stated that it would compile the outcomes from the dialogue into a communiqué to be shared with relevant stakeholders as a guide for further action.

The campaign sought behavioural change around cooking practices by encouraging the transition from traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal to cleaner alternatives, reducing health risks and environmental degradation.