A group of young investors under the Abral Development Initiative (ADI) has partnered with the Kwara State government to launch a briquette made from organic raw materials, serving as an alternative to traditional charcoal.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Universal Climate Initiative (UCI) in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state, the group’s chairman, Opeyemi Alao, said part of the initiative includes planting 160,000 trees across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Tagged “Eedu Ramoni,” Alao explained that the briquette is made from agricultural waste products such as orange and banana peels, corn husks, rice husks, and other biodegradable waste.
He described the innovative product as a sustainable and cleaner alternative to traditional charcoal, which is produced by cutting down trees.
“Trees, however, are not just part of our landscape. They are essential to our very existence. They purify the air we breathe, provide shelter for wildlife, and combat climate change by absorbing harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The act of planting trees is, therefore, a vital step in safeguarding our planet’s future and promoting human health and well-being,” he said.
Alao added that training is provided through collaboration with technical consultants on how to produce the briquette, “allowing individuals to generate income while contributing to environmental conservation.”
According to him, the eco-friendly initiative also promotes economic empowerment, noting that the production of *Eedu Ramoni* creates job opportunities, particularly for youth and women in rural communities.
“*Eedu Ramoni is a cost-effective fuel option, particularly for rural areas where traditional charcoal is either expensive or hard to come by. It helps reduce household energy costs while supporting local economies,” he stressed.
Alao further highlighted that the initiative supports local agriculture. “Using organic waste from agriculture not only provides a solution to waste management but also creates a circular economy model where local farmers and producers can benefit by supplying the raw materials for the production of Eedu Ramoni,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Commissioner for Environment, Nafusat Buge, commended the initiative for its lasting positive impact on forests.
“This initiative promises to empower our communities through the introduction of energy-saving stoves and the support of locally produced components,” she said.