The Ogun State Government has announced it will conduct free lead poisoning tests for residents of Ogijo after rising concerns over possible contamination linked to seven Used Lead Acid Battery recycling industries recently shut down. The move follows a viral video that sparked fears of hazardous exposure in the community and prompted the state to temporarily suspend ingot exports. In a statement, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed that a dedicated Lead Testing Centre has been established at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre. She confirmed that it with medical experts and a full complement of medical equipment has already been set up at the Ogijo Primary Health Centre and it will commence operation on Monday. Coker urged traditional rulers and community leaders to help mobilise residents for the exercise, stressing that the government will never trade their well-being for economic and industrial development and gains. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, revealed that the state will begin a thorough process audit of all seven ULAB firms and steel factories operating in Ogijo. He warned that any company that fails the Process Audit will be shut down permanently until they comply one hundred per cent with the new recommended process. Oresanya appealed to community leaders to prioritise health and refrain from defending industries caught violating environmental standards, saying this is not the time to play politics with government good intentions but the best period to prioritise their health, welfare and well-being and stop pleading for Industries when governments hammer falls on them for environmental infractions. He further cautioned residents against siting factories within residential neighbourhoods, adding that the government will not give approval for building of industries in residential areas and insisting that those wanting to establish such facilities go to Industrial clusters. Representing the Ologijo of Ogijo, Chief Sunday Lawal expressed gratitude to the government for what he described as a decisive intervention. He called the response a timely response to the alleged lead poisoning from a viral video in the town through the shutting of seven ULAB companies and the conduct of free lead tests to residents. Community Development Association leaders also pledged to sensitise residents and support the governments public health measures as authorities move to assess and contain any potential contamination.
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