Ogun State Launches Committee to Combat Lead Poisoning

On Wednesday, Ogun State officially inaugurated a 15-member joint monitoring committee aimed at addressing lead poisoning concerns, particularly in Ogijo, where lead-acid battery recycling poses significant environmental risks. The committee, as stated by Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, will provide local oversight and serve as a critical watchdog over recycling operations.

Members were strategically selected based on their proximity to the recycling plants to ensure effective monitoring of industrial activities. The committee's mandate includes facilitating health concern reports and supporting transparency in the remediation compliance process.

Oresanya issued a warning to lead-acid battery operators, emphasizing that the state will not sacrifice the health of its citizens for industrial profit. Kehind Bello, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environment Protection Agency, called for stakeholder support to restore environmental sanity.

Jack Peniel, representing the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, assured residents of strict enforcement of national environmental standards.