By Prosper Mene
In a bold move to tackle environmental pollution and uplift underserved communities, GTCO Plc, a leading Nigerian conglomerate, launched an ambitious waste-for-gas project on Saturday, distributing 3,000 gas cylinders to women in Ogun State. The initiative, unveiled in Abeokuta, blends sustainability with economic empowerment, offering a lifeline to women in low-income areas while addressing Nigeria’s waste management challenges.
The project, spearheaded by GTCO’s sustainability arm, transforms household and market waste into clean-burning gas, which is then packaged into cylinders for domestic use. At the launch event, attended by local leaders, environmentalists, and beneficiaries, GTCO officials handed out the first batch of 3,000 cylinders to women from underserved communities, many of whom rely on firewood or kerosene for cooking—a practice linked to health risks and deforestation.
“We’re turning waste into opportunity,” said Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, in a keynote address. “This project not only reduces environmental harm but also empowers women economically by giving them access to cleaner, safer energy. It’s a win for the planet and the people.”
The initiative targets women as primary beneficiaries, recognizing their central role in household energy use and their vulnerability to the health impacts of traditional cooking methods. According to the Nigerian Ministry of Environment, indoor air pollution from biomass fuels claims thousands of lives annually, disproportionately affecting women and children. By providing gas cylinders, GTCO aims to curb these risks while fostering financial independence—some recipients will reportedly sell surplus gas in their communities.
One beneficiary, 42-year-old trader Idayat Adebayo from Ijebu-Ode, beamed with excitement as she received her cylinder. “This will save me money and time,” she said. “No more smoke in my lungs or searching for firewood. I can even make a small business out of it.”
The waste-for-gas model also tackles Ogun State’s mounting waste problem. With urban centers like Abeokuta generating tons of refuse daily, GTCO’s processing plants convert organic waste into biogas, reducing landfill pressure and greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental experts at the event praised the dual impact, though some called for more data on the project’s scalability.
“This is innovative, but we need to know how many plants are operational and how much waste they can handle,” noted Dr. Funmi Adeyemi, an environmental scientist based in Lagos. “If it scales, it could be a game-changer for Nigeria.”
GTCO has not disclosed the project’s full cost or the timeline for future phases, but company representatives hinted at plans to expand nationwide.
Local leaders in Ogun State welcomed the initiative, with the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Motunrayo Adeleye, describing it as “a step toward sustainable development that prioritizes our women.” She added, “We’re eager to partner with GTCO to ensure this reaches every corner of the state.”
For the women of Ogun State, the cylinders represent more than just fuel—they’re a symbol of progress. As the launch concluded, the hum of celebration filled the air, coupled with the promise of cleaner kitchens and brighter futures.
