Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji, Ogun Commissioner, Others Commended for Swift Environmental Crackdown

Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji, Ogun Commissioner, Others Commended for Swift Environmental Crackdown

By Charles Segun Adegbite 

A wave of commendation has trailed the decisive intervention of Hon. (Dr.) Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, and other key officials, following their swift action in addressing a long-standing environmental and public health threat in the Ogijo area of Sagamu.

The commendation was conveyed by Hon. Gbenga Ogundipe, a concerned citizen of Ogun State based in Walkden, United Kingdom, who lauded the leaders for their timely and proactive response to a situation that had posed serious risks to public health.

Ogundipe praised the authorities for acting promptly to halt unsafe industrial activities, particularly those linked to hazardous lead-acid battery recycling, which had exposed workers and residents to dangerous toxic emissions over the years.

The intervention, he noted, was both timely and life-saving, as it led to the immediate shutdown of a factory found to be operating in clear violation of environmental and occupational safety standards.

He warned that prolonged exposure to such toxic substances could have resulted in severe health complications, potentially triggering a major public health crisis.

Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents her constituency at the National Assembly, was specifically commended for escalating the matter to the Green Chamber, thereby drawing urgent national attention and prompting swift oversight.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, received praise for his decisive directive that led to the closure of the unsafe facility—an action described as a clear demonstration of responsive and responsible governance.

Other officials, including Hon. Kenny Bello of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency and Hon. Oyeniyi Owolana, Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, were also acknowledged for their roles in ensuring the success of the intervention.

While applauding the effort, Ogundipe emphasized the need for sustained vigilance and systemic reforms to prevent a recurrence. He called for a comprehensive review of environmental and occupational safety laws, stricter enforcement mechanisms, and mandatory compliance with global best practices.

According to him, industries must be compelled to provide proper protective equipment for workers and ensure adequate training on occupational health and safety, especially when handling hazardous materials.

He further warned against exploitative industrial practices, stressing that neither local nor foreign companies should be allowed to operate below internationally accepted safety standards due to weak regulatory frameworks.

The recent crackdown, he added, sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to protecting lives and the environment. However, he urged authorities to maintain the momentum through continuous monitoring, enforcement, and policy reforms.

Ogundipe concluded by encouraging the leaders to remain steadfast in their service, noting that the public is watching and expects consistent, people-centered leadership.

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