Pollution: Ogun plans free lead poisoning tests for industrial community

The Ogun State Government will conduct free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo, following concerns over possible contamination from seven recently shut Used Lead Acid Battery recycling industries.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday.

The decision comes after a viral video raised alarms, prompting the temporary suspension of ingot exports from the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said a Lead Testing Centre has been set up at Ogijo Primary Health Centre.

She confirmed that it “with medical experts and a full complement of medical equipment has already been set up at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre and it will commence operation on Monday.”

Coker urged community leaders to sensitise residents on the importance of the exercise, emphasising that the government “will never trade their well-being for economic and industrial development and gains.”

Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, added that the state will begin a process audit of the seven ULAB industries and steel factories in Ogijo.

He warned that “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 also appealed to community leaders to prioritise health over economic interests, noting that “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 further advised residents against building industries in residential areas, adding that the government “will not give approval for building of industries in residential areas” and that those seeking to build should “go to Industrial clusters.”

Representing the Ologijo of Ogijo, Chief Sunday Lawal thanked the state government for its intervention, describing it as 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.”

Community Development Association leaders also pledged to inform members and support the government’s efforts to ensure public health and safety.