GENDER AND ENERGY: THE PLIGHT OF THE GIRL CHILD OGECHUKWU

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 5, 2026

GENDER AND ENERGY: THE PLIGHT OF THE GIRL CHILD OGECHUKWU
Anambra State, Nigeria — A young girl, Ogechukwu, from a community in Anambra State, is battling severe burns after a kerosene explosion in her home.

Ogechukwu was sent to buy kerosene for cooking, a routine chore borne by millions of girls in energy-poor households. The kerosene sold to her was adulterated. Not knowing the stove still contained burning fuel, she attempted to refill it. The stove exploded, engulfing her in flames.

She sustained severe burns and is fighting for recovery.

This is not just an accident. It is the painful reality of gender and energy poverty in Nigeria. When families cannot access clean and affordable cooking energy, it is the girl-child who is sent to buy unsafe fuel, who cooks with unsafe stoves, and who bears the greatest risk of injury, disfigurement and death.

The unchecked sale of adulterated kerosene in our communities is a national emergency that targets the poorest and hurts girls the most.

OUR CALL TO ACTION:

1. For Ogechukwu: Urgent support for her medical treatment, psychosocial care and rehabilitation.

2. For Justice and Safety: We call on the NMDPRA, SON, and the Anambra State Government to immediately clamp down on the sale of adulterated kerosene and prosecute offenders.

3. For Clean Cooking Access: Accelerated investment in safe, affordable clean cooking – LPG and solar electric cooking – with subsidies for indigent families.

4. For Public Safety: NEVER refill a stove while it is lit or still hot. Allow it to cool completely and extinguish all flame before refilling.

Ogechukwu only wanted to cook a meal for her family. No girl should be burned for that.

For Press Inquiries, Advocacy and Support for Ogechukwu:
Hon. Bridget Obi
Tel: 08033397660
Email: nnennebrig2@gmail.com