Table of Contents
- Lead Testing Initiative
- Closure of Recycling Industries
- Lead Testing Centre Established
- Community Awareness Efforts
- Process Audit Announcement
- Industrial Regulations Advisory
- Community Response
The Ogun State Government has announced that it will provide free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo, especially those living near the six Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling industries, as well as their workers.
It is worth noting that the state government recently closed down the ULAB recycling industries and temporarily halted ingot exports from the state after a viral video raised concerns about lead poisoning in the Ogijo community.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, revealed that a "Lead Testing Centre," staffed with medical professionals and equipped with all necessary medical tools, has been established at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre and will begin operations on Monday.
Dr. Coker made this announcement while leading a state government delegation, which included her colleague from the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, as well as medical and environmental experts from the Ministries of Health and Environment and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), to the Ologijo Palace.
She urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the Ologijo-in-Council to inform their members about the significance of the lead test, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunity to determine their lead levels.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, stated that a process audit of the seven ULAB industries, including steel industries in the area, will begin this week. He mentioned that any company that does not pass the process audit will be closed indefinitely until it fully complies with the newly recommended procedures.
He called on the executives of the Community Development Associations to prioritize health and welfare over the economic benefits derived from these companies and to work with the state government to enforce industrial environmental standards. He emphasized that this is not the time for political maneuvering but rather a moment to focus on health and well-being.
Dr. Oresanya also advised the CDAs to refrain from selling land for industrial use within residential areas, indicating that the government will not approve the establishment of industries in such locations. He encouraged prospective industrial developers to locate their businesses within designated industrial clusters.
In response, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, represented by the Lisa of Ogijo, Sunday Lawal, expressed gratitude to the state government for its prompt action and the provision of free lead testing for the town's residents.
Meanwhile, some CDA leaders—Adesina Adeyemi, Ganiu Tiamiyu, Gboyega Usman, and Tunde Rufus—committed to conveying this message to their members for better understanding and assured the state government of their full cooperation.
What is the purpose of the lead testing initiative?
The purpose of the lead testing initiative is to provide free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo, particularly those living near ULAB recycling industries, to assess and ensure their health and safety.
What actions has the Ogun State Government taken regarding ULAB industries?
The Ogun State Government has shut down the ULAB recycling industries and suspended ingot exports due to concerns over lead poisoning in the community.
How can the community get involved in the lead testing initiative?
Community members can get involved by participating in the lead testing offered at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre and by encouraging others to do the same through their Community Development Associations.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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