The Ogun State Government, through the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), has begun to rid Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government Area, of lead contamination through evacuation of illegally dumped slags from its communities.
The remediation exercise, which started earlier in the week, is part of the State Government’s concerted efforts to address the environmental pollution associated with lead contamination and other hazardous materials within the industrial town.
The evacuation of the illegally dumped slags was aimed at removing potential sources of lead contamination from the environment and reducing the risks they might pose to residents, workers and other stakeholders in the affected communities.
The exercise, known to be a major component of the State Government’s commitment at restoring the environmental integrity of Ogijo and ensuring that communities affected by industrial activities enjoy a safer and healthier environment.
Speaking of the remediation exercise, the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, reassured residents of Ogijo of the determination of the State Government to achieve a comprehensive clean-up of the affected areas.
Bello, stated that OGEPA would continue to deploy appropriate environmental management measures to address identified sources of contamination, noting that the evacuation of the illegally dumped slags remained an important component of the ongoing remediation process.
He therefore urged residents and other stakeholders to support the exercise by cooperating with OGEPA officials and avoid activities capable of further contaminating the environment, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste and slags.
The General Manager reiterated the commitment of the Ogun State Government to sustaining the remediation exercise until the affected areas were adequately cleaned up, assuring residents that the ultimate goal was to restore Ogijo to a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable industrial community.
