By: Tijani Salako.

The Ogun State Government has inaugurated a 15-member Joint Monitoring Committee to address alleged lead poisoning and other environmental concerns in Ogijo and surrounding communities.

This was disclosed in a press statement that was released by the Head of information and public relations officer of OGEPA, Mr Rotimi Oduniyi and Luke Adebesin, noting that the decision is to curb the hazard prone to public health.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the Commissioner for Ogun State Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, said the committee would serve as a bridge between the government and residents, particularly those living near Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) recycling facilities.

The facilities have been linked to allegations of lead contamination in the area.

Dr. Oresanya explained that members of the committee were selected based on their proximity to the recycling plants and their participation in recent community engagement sessions held in Ogijo.

The Commissioner said the committee would provide localized oversight of ULAB operations, facilitate reporting of environmental and health concerns, and promote transparency in remediation and compliance processes.

“Environmental protection cannot be achieved through regulation alone. It requires community vigilance, shared responsibility, and mutual trust. Adding that the committee’s mandate is both preventive and protective, aimed at early risk detection and ensuring sustained compliance with environmental standards.” Oresanya affirmed.

The Commissioner also issued a warning to ULAB operators, stating that economic activities must not compromise public health or environmental integrity. Noting that facilities that fail to meet required environmental health and safety standards will not be allowed to operate when conditionally reopened.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, called on stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to restore environmental compliance in Ogijo.

He pledged the agency’s commitment to the success of the newly formed committee.

The traditional ruler of the community, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazim Gbadamosi, urged ULAB operators to adhere strictly to environmental safety standards, charging the committee members to carry out their duties diligently.

Meanwhile, the South-West Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Jack Peniel, assured residents that the national agency would enforce strict compliance with environmental regulations to help restore a safe and healthy environment in Ogijo.