President Deserves Honour on Clean Cooking Drive - Dr. Tulia

National Assembly Speaker Dr. Tulia Ackson has commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering efforts to promote the use of clean cooking energy both in Tanzania and across Africa. Dr. Tulia's remarks came during an event organized by Women Members of Parliament in collaboration with Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited (OGTL), highlighting the significant impact of President Samia's initiatives.

"She truly deserves the awards for her dedication to ensuring Tanzanians and Africans are protected from harmful cooking energy," Dr. Tulia stated. The event, held over the weekend in Dodoma, coincided with the World Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Day, observed annually on June 7 to promote the benefits of clean cooking energy globally.

In recognition of President Samia's contributions to the clean cooking campaign, Women MPs and OGTL honoured her during the event. Dr. Tulia accepted the award on behalf of the President, noting, "As President Samia receives this award, it is well-deserved. She has championed the clean cooking campaign, directing the government to implement measures in this area, including the National Clean Cooking Strategy for 2024-2034."

The strategy, supported by a budget of 4.6 trillion Tanzanian shillings, aims to raise public awareness and increase the adoption of clean cooking energy, targeting 80% of the population by 2034.

Dr. Tulia emphasized the urgent need for clean cooking solutions in Africa, where 80% of the population depends on traditional, harmful cooking methods. In Tanzania alone, about 33,024 people, mainly women, die annually from smoke inhalation caused by solid fuels such as charcoal and firewood. Furthermore, the use of these fuels leads to severe environmental degradation due to deforestation.

President Samia's campaign has successfully engaged various stakeholders, including OGTL, to ensure its success. OGTL Managing Director Benoit Araman expressed his support, noting that the company has donated 35,000 gas cylinders and stoves to different social groups in Tanzania as part of their commitment to the cause.

"I am pleased to see Women MPs partnering with OGTL to support the President's efforts and honour her in this important initiative," Dr. Tulia added.

The event underscored the critical importance of transitioning to clean cooking energy to improve health outcomes and protect the environment, highlighting President Samia's leadership in this vital campaign.