The Ogun State Government says it will provide free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo after fears of contamination linked to seven Used Lead Acid Battery recycling companies recently shut down in the area.
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Sunday after a viral video raised concerns about possible pollution, leading the state to place a temporary halt on ingot exports.
The Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, said the state had set up a Lead Testing Centre at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre. According to her, the centre is ready for use and will begin operations on Monday.
She said, “A team of medical experts and a full set of equipment has already been set up at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre and it will commence operation on Monday.”
Coker urged traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilise residents for the test, noting that the state places the well-being of citizens above industrial gains. She said the government “will never trade their well-being for economic and industrial development and gains.”
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the state will begin a process audit of the seven ULAB firms and steel factories operating in Ogijo. He warned that strict action would be taken against companies that fail to meet safety standards.
He said, “Any company that fails the process audit will be shut down permanently until they comply one hundred per cent with the new recommended process.”
Oresanya told community leaders to prioritise health and avoid protecting companies that violate environmental rules. He added, “This is not the time to play politics with government good intentions but the best period to prioritise their health, welfare and well-being and stop pleading for industries when government’s hammer falls on them for environmental infractions.”
He also cautioned residents against allowing factories to spring up in residential zones. According to him, the government “will not give approval for building of industries in residential areas” and those who want to set up factories should “go to industrial clusters.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ologijo of Ogijo, Chief Sunday Lawal thanked the state government, calling the move a “timely response to the alleged lead poisoning from a viral video in the town through the shutting of seven ULAB companies and the conduct of free lead tests to residents.”
Leaders of the Community Development Associations in Ogijo also promised to spread the information and support the government’s efforts to protect public health.
