From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State government has promised to scale-up the Waste to Wealth Initiative (Inclusive Clean energy and livelihood project) to other political wards in the state.
The state Governor Malam Umar Namadi who was represented by the State Commissioner of Power Renewable Energy during a Media Launch and Policy engagement event, from waste to wealth (Jigawa cooking Initiative) organized by Partnership For Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) funded by Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP-Initiative), held at Baranda Community area of Dutse Jigawa State.
Governor Namadi explained that, his administration will continue to support policies and partnerships that promote clean energy adoption, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
“As a government, we are encouraged by the success of this pilot, and I am pleased to announce our commitment to scaling up this initiative across other political wards in the State.
“It is our resolve to attract private sector participation in our green growth agenda by leveraging the climate financing tools promoted by the PACE program”, he said.
The governor also Commended FCDO, PACE, and ELIP for the initiative, calling on the beneficiaries to properly utilize the skills for sustainable development.
“To all the beneficiaries of this initiative, I implore you to seize this rare opportunity to create a sustainable livelihood for your household and lasting impact in your communities”, he said.
While delivering his remarks, the project Manager of the ELIP’s waste to wealth initiative (Inclusive Clean Energy and Livelihood project) Comrade Isah Mustapha commended FCDO, PACE for the intervention describing the effort as initiative that was conceived against the backdrop of very real and pressing challenges within our communities.
“Across many parts of our state and country, we continue to grapple with inefficient waste management systems, increasing environmental degradation, the growing impact of climate change, and limited access to affordable and clean energy. At the same time, unemployment—particularly among women and youth—remains a critical concern that demands innovative and inclusive solutions.
“The Waste to Wealth project responds directly to these intersecting challenges with a simple but powerful idea: that waste is not merely a problem to be managed, but a resource that can be transformed into value. By converting waste into clean energy products such as briquettes and energy-efficient cookstoves, we are demonstrating a practical pathway that simultaneously addresses environmental sustainability and livelihood creation”, he said.
According to him, the project moved into demonstrating innovation and viability. We invested in building the technical capacity of community members—training them in briquette production and the fabrication of clean cookstoves using locally available materials and affordable technologies.
He maintained that, these were not just theoretical exercises; they were practical, hands-on processes aimed at proving that these solutions are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable.
“We tested the usability, efficiency, and acceptability of these products within local markets, ensuring that what we promote is both practical and sustainable. Importantly, we placed strong emphasis on inclusion, deliberately creating opportunities for women and youth to participate meaningfully as producers, entrepreneurs, and change agents.
“Today, we are proud to say that we have moved beyond concepts and demonstrations into real production and enterprise development”, he said.
The project manager added that, Across the three piloting Local Government Areas of Dutse, Kiri Kasamma, and Ringim, a total of six community-based production centres have been established in Baranda and Sakwaya in Dutse LGA, Kiri Kasamma and Turabu in Kiri Kasamma LGA, and Ringim and Dabi in Ringim LGA, serving as hubs for innovation, production, and enterprise development. In addition, over 120 participants, predominantly women and youth, have been trained and empowered with practical skills in briquette production and clean cook stove fabrication.
He said, the centres are now fully functional, equipped with the necessary tools and starter kits, and managed by organized groups and cooperatives. Beneficiaries are no longer just trainees they are emerging entrepreneurs and contributors to a growing green economy.
Also delivering his remarks, The National team lead FCDO-PACE ,Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, said the project demonstrates how community partnership, government leadership and private sector participation can come together to address climate vulnerabilities in a practical and scalable way.
He maintained that, the expected impact is significant by reducing emissions, tackling the twin challenges of deforestation and flooding, and sustaining livelihoods across communities.
The team lead added that, PACE intervention has supported systematic climate governance reforms in Jigawa state. Adding that the expectation is these frameworks and partnerships will be leveraged to deepen climate action, create green jobs strengthen resilience, and accelerate sustainable economic development in Jigawa state.
