By Blacktalker
As the world commemorates the year 2025 International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action”, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc GTCO is making a remarkable impact through its Waste for Gas initiative.
Designed to empower women and improve the quality of life for underserved households, this transformative project is a testament to the power of corporate social responsibility in driving gender equality and sustainable development.
Recognizing the disproportionate burden of household chores and environmental challenges faced by women in low-income communities, GTCO launched a bold initiative to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to families in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.
By replacing the traditional reliance on firewood and charcoal with cleaner, more efficient cooking alternatives, this project is significantly easing the daily struggles of women while promoting sustainable practices.
For many women, the time spent sourcing firewood and enduring health hazards from smoke inhalation limits their ability to pursue income-generating activities, education, and personal growth. With access to gas-powered cooking, they now have more time for self-improvement, entrepreneurship, and family well-being—a core message of this year’s International Women’s Day.
GTCO’s Waste for Gas initiative goes beyond providing gas cylinders; it establishes a structured waste exchange programme, encouraging responsible waste management and instilling a culture of sustainability. Through this initiative, women are not only recipients but active participants in environmental conservation efforts, a step towards fostering female leadership in climate action.
The project’s implementation is divided into two phases:
Identification and Distribution (February 18-21, 2025): GTCO teams, in collaboration with local government representatives, conducted door-to-door visits across 12 wards in Obafemi Owode Local Government.
Beneficiaries were identified based on their dependency on firewood and charcoal and they participated in an exchange programme where they returned plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners.
Adoption and Monitoring (February 22-23, 2025): The second phase focuses on monitoring how beneficiaries adapt to the new cooking method and ensuring that the initiative achieves long-term impact.
Speaking on the initiative, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje emphasized the company’s commitment to driving social progress: “At GTCO, we believe in empowering communities through sustainable initiatives. The Waste for Gas project is about creating real impact—giving women more time for what truly matters, whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development. Our goal is to continuously evolve platforms that strengthen communities and drive socioeconomic growth.”
At the unveiling ceremony, GTCO’s Chief Communication Officer, Oyinade Adegite, highlighted that the initiative aligns with global efforts to promote gender equity in climate resilience. She noted that providing women with cleaner energy sources enhances household welfare while fostering environmental sustainability.
“We conducted thorough assessments to ensure the support reached those who genuinely needed it. Many women had resorted to borrowing from money lenders just to afford gas cylinders, which shows how essential this intervention is,” she revealed.
Joining the discussion, the Obafemi Owode Local Government Chairman, Ambassador Ogunsola Adesina, praised GTCO for this impactful initiative and called for the establishment of a GTCO branch within the community to further support financial inclusion.
Similarly, Olu of Owode-Egba, Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, reassured beneficiaries that discussions were underway to establish discounted gas refill stations within the community, ensuring the long-term success of the project.
Also, the Iyaloja General, Chief Ganiyat Oyelakin, advised women on the safe use of gas cookers, underlining the importance of safety awareness in household energy transition.
Beneficiaries who were women who depend on firewood and charcoal for their meal preparation expressed their gratitude, the impact of Waste for Gas became clear.
Madam Risikat Ayoka, one of the recipients, shared: “We are excited. This gesture will make us stop using firewood for cooking.” Her words echo the transformative power of the initiative, which is aimed at reducing health risks, saving time and promoting financial stability for women-led households.
On this International Women’s Day, GTCO’s Waste for Gas initiative stands as a beacon of progress, demonstrating how corporate actions can uplift women, foster sustainability, and drive meaningful change.
By ensuring that women in underserved communities have access to cleaner energy and economic opportunities, this initiative truly embodies the spirit of empowerment, sustainability, and inclusion.
This International Women’s Day, we do not just celebrate women’s achievements but also initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for women to thrive. GTCO’s commitment to building inclusive, empowered communities is a powerful reminder that when we invest in women, we invest in a better future for all.