Ogun Offers Free Lead Tests in Ogijo

The Ogun State Government has announced it will conduct free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo, with a particular focus on those living near the six shut-down Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling facilities and the workers formerly employed there. This decisive action follows the circulation of a viral video and investigative reports alleging widespread lead contamination in the community.

The state government had already moved to shut down the controversial ULAB recycling industries and temporarily suspended the exportation of lead ingots from the state as an immediate safety measure. The focus has now shifted to public health intervention and comprehensive environmental cleanup.

Dr. Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, disclosed that a fully equipped “Lead Testing Centre,” staffed with medical experts, has been established at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre. The critical facility is scheduled to commence operations promptly on Monday morning.

Coker made the announcement alongside her counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, as they led a state delegation of medical and environmental experts to the Ologijo Palace for consultation. She strongly urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the Ologijo-in-Council to thoroughly sensitize their members on the importance of the lead test, encouraging maximum participation to determine individual lead status.

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, separately announced that a stringent process audit of all seven ULAB industries, including steel industries in the town, will commence this week. He issued a firm warning: any company that fails to meet the stringent process audit standards will be shut down indefinitely until it achieves 100 percent compliance with the newly recommended environmental and industrial processes.

Oresanya called on the executives of the Community Development Associations to set aside any immediate economic benefits they derive from the companies. He stressed the need for full cooperation with the state government in enforcing strict industrial environmental standards, emphasizing that this is a moment to prioritize public health and welfare over short-term financial gain.

The Environment Commissioner also counseled the CDAs to immediately cease the practice of selling land for industrial purposes within residential areas. He confirmed that the government will no longer approve the construction of industries in such locations, advising prospective industrial developers to situate their businesses only within designated industrial clusters in line with best practices.

In response to the government’s swift intervention, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, conveyed his thanks through his representative, the Lisa of Ogijo, Sunday Lawal. He specifically praised the state government for the timely intervention and the provision of free lead testing services for the town’s residents.

Meanwhile, several CDA chieftains present, including Adesina Adeyemi, Ganiu Tiamiyu, Gboyega Usman, and Tunde Rufus, pleaded to take the crucial message back to their members for a better understanding of the situation. They collectively assured the state government of their full cooperation in the massive public health effort.