THERMOSAFE GEL STOVE IS FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AFRICA
-Kanu Chibueze, Executive Director, Zargos Nigeria limited

At a period when electricity and petroleum products have become gold, Zagos Services Limited has launched a first of its kind technology called, Thermosafe Gel Stove. The stove uses no gas, no kerosene or electricity, but a gel extracted from both ethanol and sugarcane. In an interview with A&B, the company’s executive, is a graduate of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Anambra and a seasoned business man with experience across the world explained what led him into the innovation and how all Nigerians can benefit from the first of its kind technology.

How did you came across this innovation
With came across Thermosafe Stove Technology after a thorough research. Actually, in a bid to do something different and effective, while I was abroad, I met the real brain behind the technology and I applied for the franchise, which was granted and I said to myself; Africans must experience this. It’s a product that guarantees safety and health wise it’s safe. I first introduced it to Nigeria during a church crusade and the patronage was massive. What I explore is the fact that Nigerians are presently going through either scarcity of kerosene and gas or no electricity to cook with. This innovation needs none of that but a gel extracted from both ethanol and sugarcane that serve as fuel.

How does the stove work
It’s easy to use. Follow the instruction of setting up the stove, pour the gel in the container beneath the burner and put the lid. Adjust the gauge to number one, then light with your matches. A 750ml of the gel can burn for more than four hours and it won’t stain your cooking pots. It’s hazard free in the sense that it won’t bring carbon monoxide whenever you put the light off. It’s safe, most especially at this period when the whole world is preaching global warming and climate change.

What are the challenges facing the innovation
Our major challenge is getting the gel to the country. The gel is imported and it takes several months at the Nigeria ports before it can be cleared. After that, we have to go for NAFDAC clarifications and all these take a longer time. So, we decided to acquire lands in Nigeria to start the manufacturing of the gel. More than 80% of the raw materials are available in the country. Presently, we have hectares of land in Mowe-Ibafo, Ogun State to start the production of the gel instead of importing the product into the country. This is going to create employment for Nigerians and remove the cost of importation.
Another challenge is fund. Really, we need people to partner with us to make this dream a reality. We need corporate bodies or individuals to invest in this project and ‘am sure it’s a fertile land ready to be explored. We are presently in almost 13 states in Nigeria and ready to break new market grounds for us to be visible across the country.

Most Nigerians prefer to invest outside the country, what prompted you to invest here
Really, I don’t blame them considering the many vices you have to contend with here. I believe Nigeria is growing and we can all contribute our quota to make it grow well. I could have stayed back abroad to practice my business, but I said to myself that no place like home and I will like to contribute to the growth of the economy of my country.

Where do you want to see this technology in few years to come
I want it to become a household name that will be useful to all homes both in Nigeria and other African countries.