The Government of Ogun State has commenced an independent and comprehensive health audit of residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area, following concerns over possible lead exposure in the community.

Recall that last November, the state government said that seven factories involved in lead-acid battery recycling on the Ogijo axis of the state had been shut down due to possible lead poisoning.

The government equally announced the temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation pending a full investigation into alleged lead contamination in this community.

The decision was said to have been taken after an on-the-spot inspection of the community, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, following a viral video that raised concerns about possible lead poisoning.

The government also initiated environmental audits and commenced regulatory reviews to safeguard public health and restore public confidence.

The Commissioner for Health, 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.

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 further assured the traditional leadership and residents that the Governor remains mindful of their welfare, noting that the government would continue to engage the community and collaboratively develop sustainable solutions based on the outcome of the scientific audit.