OGUN CONDUCTS MAJOR HEALTH AUDIT, TESTING 500 RESIDENTS FOR LEAD POISONING
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Ogun State Government has launched an independent, comprehensive health audit for residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area amid rising concerns over potential lead exposure in the community.
Last November, the state government reported that seven factories engaged in lead-acid battery recycling in the Ogijo area had been shut down due to suspected lead poisoning.
Authorities also temporarily suspended the export of lead ingots pending a full investigation into the alleged contamination in the community.
The action followed an on-site inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, prompted by a viral video highlighting potential lead poisoning risks.
The government also initiated environmental audits and commenced regulatory reviews to safeguard public health and restore public confidence.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, in a statement on Monday, disclosed the commencement of the health audit during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Ologijo’s Palace after the completion of blood sample collection from over 500 scientifically selected residents to determine their Blood Lead Levels.
Dr Coker said that the global attention that followed reports by some international media organisations had placed the community in the international spotlight and necessitated a deliberate and structured government response.
She stated that, “Soon after the reports surfaced, the Ministries of Health and Environment visited the communities to address concerns and present a clear framework for monitoring, evaluation, and response.
“The Ministry of Environment then carried out environmental audits and assessments after shutting down the companies identified as potential risks.”
“The health sector deliberately adopted a scientific approach to its audit process. His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, directed that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research be engaged to independently conduct the study to ensure the authenticity, transparency, and global credibility of the findings.
“We have ensured that NIMR is working independently to deliver unbiased results, and once the report is received, appropriate recommendations will be submitted to the Governor for necessary action.”
In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NIMR, Prof. Oladipo Obafunwa, stated that the institute deployed a professional team to conduct the exercise in line with established scientific standards.
Prof Obafunwa explained that the sampling process was carefully designed to ensure representation across vulnerable groups and to ensure that laboratory analysis would be handled with the highest level of integrity, with findings presented objectively.
Responding on behalf of residents, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, appreciated the state government for its timely intervention and transparent engagement with the residents.
Oba Gbadamosi assured the community of cooperation, expressing confidence that the outcome of the audit would provide clarity and reassurance to the people.
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