Ogun State Responds to Lead Poisoning Concerns in Ogijo
The Ogun State Government has announced it will conduct free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo community, following allegations of contamination from seven used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling industries. This decisive action comes after a viral video exposed potential health hazards, prompting the immediate shutdown of the offending facilities.
Government Sets Up Testing Center and Meets Community Leaders
Health Commissioner Dr Tomi Coker revealed that a fully equipped Lead Testing Centre has been established at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre, with operations scheduled to begin on Monday. The facility will be staffed by medical experts and equipped with comprehensive medical equipment to handle the testing needs of the community.
Dr Coker, alongside Environment Commissioner Dr Ola Oresanya, led a high-powered government delegation that included officials from the Ministry of Health, Environment, and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA). The team met with Community Development Associations (CDAs) executives and the Ologijo in Council at the Ologijo Palace to coordinate the response effort.
The Health Commissioner emphasized that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration prioritizes citizen welfare over economic gains, stating clearly that the government "will never trade their well-being for economic and industrial development."
Strict Environmental Audits and Future Regulations
Environment Commissioner Dr Ola Oresanya announced that process audits for all seven ULAB industries, including steel plants in the area, will commence this week. Companies failing to meet the newly recommended environmental standards will face permanent closure until they achieve full compliance.
Oresanya delivered a strong message to community leaders, urging them to prioritize health over economic benefits derived from the industries. "This is not the time to play politics with government's good intentions," he stated, advising CDAs to stop pleading for industries when regulatory actions are taken for environmental violations.
The Environment Commissioner also issued crucial guidance on future industrial development, advising against selling lands for industries in residential areas and confirming that the government will not approve industrial construction in residential zones. Instead, prospective industrial developers should utilize designated industrial clusters.
Community Response and Way Forward
The Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, represented by Lisa of Ogijo, Chief Sunday Lawal, commended the state government for its prompt response to the health crisis. The traditional ruler appreciated both the shutdown of the seven ULAB companies and the provision of free lead testing for affected residents.
The government's comprehensive approach addresses both immediate health concerns through testing and long-term prevention through stricter environmental regulations and proper zoning of industrial activities.
