Environmental Sustainability
Ogijo Lead Poisoning: RDI Asks Ogun Govt to Declare Community a ‘Contaminated Site’
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has asked the Ogun State Government to immediately declare the Ogijo community in Sagamu a “contaminated site” following new evidence of severe lead poisoning linked to nearby recycling factories.
The call follows a joint investigation by the New York Times and The Examination, published on 18 November, which found that poorly regulated lead-recycling plants have polluted air and soil and exposed workers to dangerously high levels of lead.
Investigators reported that every worker tested showed lead poisoning, with one recording a blood lead level as high as 38 micrograms per decilitre, a figure considered severely elevated by the World Health Organization.
Why it matters
The discovery raises public health concerns in a community where families, traders, and schoolchildren live close to recycling plants.
Lead poisoning, especially in children, can cause long-term neurological damage, learning difficulties, and organ failure.
Environmental experts say the case highlights long-standing issues of unregulated industrial activity across parts of Nigeria.
Government responds cautiously
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, told Television Continental on 1 December that the state needed to “confirm the alleged lead poison” and would test 500 residents to reach its own conclusions.
The government has since shut down seven lead-acid battery recycling plants operating in Ogijo.
RDI accuses government of regulatory failure
RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, blamed the crisis on years of weak oversight.
“While the Ogun State Government is still describing the findings in Ogijo as an allegation, we must not lose sight that the abdication of responsibility by the state in regulating the activities of the recycling firms is the cause of the entire crisis in the first place,” he said.
Jakpor criticised what he described as “face-saving activities” since the investigation was published.
He warned that the scale of contamination “may be far worse than reported” and insisted that the ongoing environmental and health audits must be “extensive, thorough, transparent and made public.”
“The Ogijo residents and affected workers in the identified firms deserve nothing but a comprehensive health and environment audit,” he said.
“We demand that the tests adhere to the global best standard as anything short of that will not be accepted.”
Environmental advocates urge stronger sanctions
RDI welcomed the closure of the seven factories but urged the state to resist pressure from vested interests.
“Ogijo should be declared a contaminated site,” Jakpor added.
“We have said it time and again that the quest for profits at the expense of the people will always lead to systemic dangers, environmental degradation, a weakening of social structures, and in this case, pure disregard for human life and safety.”
He further called for sanctions against government officials found guilty of regulatory failures and full accountability for companies that exposed workers and residents to hazardous waste.
Industry reactions & expert views
Environmental scientists say the findings are consistent with long-standing concerns about toxic industrial pollution in peri-urban communities.
Public health experts warn that lead poisoning crises often remain hidden for decades without strict monitoring and enforcement.
Local residents have also voiced fears that children may have been exposed for years without proper diagnosis.
What’s next
The Ogun State Government is expected to begin its testing of 500 residents in the coming days.
Advocacy groups are pushing for the state to publish full audit results, clean up contaminated sites, and enforce stricter industrial regulations in line with international safety standards.
Environmental Sustainability
LAWMA Seals Malls and Illegal Markets Along Ojuelegba–Tejuosho Corridor Over Waste Violations
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed several malls, plazas and illegal market structures along the Ojuelegba–Popo corridor adjoining Tejuosho Main Market.
The action followed what officials described as persistent and flagrant violations of Lagos State environmental sanitation laws.
The enforcement exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade.
Why it matters
Ojuelegba and Tejuosho are among Lagos’ busiest commercial and traffic hubs, used daily by thousands of traders, commuters and residents.
Authorities say indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area has blocked drainage channels, degraded public spaces and increased the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks.
Complaints from residents and commuters
LAWMA said the operation was triggered by a surge in complaints from residents and daily road users.
According to the agency, roadsides, medians and open spaces had been repeatedly converted into illegal dumping sites.
Officials warned that such practices not only damage the city’s appearance but also pose serious public health risks.
‘Environmental integrity is inviolable’ – LAWMA
Speaking on the operation, LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency would no longer tolerate environmental abuse in public corridors.
“The environmental integrity of Lagos is inviolable,” he said.
Dr Gbadegesin described the dumping of waste on major roads as a direct threat to urban order and public safety.
Warnings ignored despite sensitisation
The LAWMA boss said the closures followed repeated warnings and public sensitisation campaigns.
“It is deeply disconcerting that despite sustained public sensitisation, the availability of waste evacuation services and repeated official warnings, some traders and residents persist in treating public infrastructure with brazen disregard,” he said.
“This intervention is fundamentally corrective in intent, aimed at restoring environmental order, civic discipline and communal responsibility.”
Facilities to remain shut
LAWMA confirmed that the sealed malls, plazas and market structures will remain closed until the entire corridor is cleared and fully sanitised.
Dr Gbadegesin said the area would also be placed under strict monitoring to prevent a return to illegal dumping.
Government backing and tougher enforcement ahead
LAWMA warned that enforcement will be expanded to other markets, highways and residential areas across Lagos.
Dr Gbadegesin said violators would face stricter sanctions under existing environmental laws.
He added that the agency is working with KAI and other regulators to intensify surveillance statewide.
Call to traders and residents
LAWMA urged traders, market leaders and residents to engage approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.
The agency also called for proper use of designated waste disposal facilities.
According to LAWMA, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility that requires full compliance from all residents.
What’s next
LAWMA said enforcement operations would continue “without compromise” as long as sanitation laws are violated.
The agency reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to building a cleaner and healthier megacity.
Environmental Sustainability
Sterling Bank Leads Nationwide Environmental Cleanup Across 17 Nigerian States
Sterling Bank, through the Sterling One Foundation, has led a nationwide environmental cleanup across 17 states in Nigeria, mobilising communities to tackle plastic waste and protect public spaces.
The exercise, held on Saturday, 29 November 2025, brought together government agencies, environmental experts, youth groups and volunteers in major urban centres and coastal areas.
Why it matters
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest contributors to plastic pollution, with clogged drainage systems worsening flooding, public health risks and environmental degradation.
Environmental advocates say sustained, community-led cleanups are critical to changing public attitudes towards waste disposal and improving climate resilience.
Nationwide action
Cleanup activities took place in locations including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and 15 other states across the country.
Volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and took part in awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting and responsible disposal practices.
What Sterling Bank says
Speaking in Abuja, Tunde Akande, Business Executive for Institutional Banking at Sterling Bank, said local ownership was key to environmental sustainability.
“Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride,” he said.
In Lagos, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head of Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, said the initiative reflected the bank’s long-term commitment to environmental protection.
“The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and elevate the quality of life in Nigerian communities,” he said.
“Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and we will continue prioritising environmental sustainability in all our actions.”
Government and expert perspective
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) described the initiative as critical to long-term behavioural change.
Engr. Braimah Osilama, Director of the AEPB, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head of Community Sanitation and Education, said partnerships were essential.
“This partnership-driven initiative is vital for long-term environmental progress. Lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support,” she said.
Foundation’s commitment
Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, said the nationwide effort showed what collective action could achieve.
“This nationwide effort is a powerful demonstration of what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose,” she said.
“Each act of service, big or small, shapes a cleaner and healthier future for Nigeria. The Foundation is committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring ongoing action.”
What’s next
Organisers say the cleanup and beach adoption exercise is part of a broader push aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action on climate change.
Sterling Bank and its partners plan to expand community engagement programmes and advocate for stronger waste management practices nationwide.
Environmental Sustainability
Rite Foods Renews Beach Clean-up Partnership to Fight Plastic Pollution in Lagos
Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s major food and beverage companies, has renewed its Rite-on-the-Beach partnership with POP Beach Club in Lagos, strengthening efforts to reduce plastic waste along coastal communities.
The initiative targets plastic pollution, a growing environmental challenge in Lagos, where poor waste management continues to threaten marine life, public health, and tourism.
By linking environmental clean-ups to education and community rewards, the programme seeks to turn waste recovery into a shared social responsibility rather than a one-off exercise.
What the programme does
Rite-on-the-Beach is a points-based, community-driven plastic recovery initiative that encourages residents to collect plastic waste in exchange for school supplies and educational support.
The programme focuses on underserved coastal communities, where environmental degradation and limited access to educational resources often overlap.
It combines beach clean-ups, environmental education, advocacy, and youth volunteering to promote responsible waste disposal habits.
Company perspective
Speaking on the renewed partnership, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, Mr Ekuma Eze, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader sustainability vision.
“At Rite Foods, sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility; it is about creating shared value for people, communities, and future generations. The renewal of our partnership with POP Beach Club allows us to integrate environmental action with education, youth empowerment, and community development in a practical and measurable way.”
The company says the project aligns with its EYEC Sustainability Pillars, particularly by exchanging recovered plastic waste for school supplies to support learning continuity for children in participating communities.
Youth and community impact
Rite Foods said it would continue to engage young people as environmental advocates through structured clean-ups and plastic recovery exercises.
The company believes this approach helps build leadership skills, environmental awareness, and long-term responsibility among youths.
Environmental advocates say youth-driven initiatives are key to changing disposal habits and sustaining behavioural change around waste management.
Industry and partner reaction
The Convener and Chief Executive Officer of POP Beach Club, Mr Akin Disu, described the partnership as a model for community-led environmental action.
“Our partnership with Rite Foods has shown that environmental action can be impactful, visible, and community-driven. We are committed to deepening the impact and continue to use our space as a platform for social change.”
POP Beach Club operates as a lifestyle and community platform, using creative engagement to promote sustainability awareness and social impact.
Measured results so far
Since its launch in 2020, the Rite-on-the-Beach initiative has worked with undergraduates and volunteers through awareness campaigns, residency programmes, and clean-up exercises.
In 2025, the Plastic Free July campaign delivered under the initiative reportedly recovered more than 40 tonnes of plastic waste in Lagos within one month, according to programme organisers.
Environmental experts say sustained partnerships of this nature help move plastic pollution conversations beyond isolated clean-ups to long-term solutions.
What’s next
Rite Foods and POP Beach Club say the renewed partnership will focus on expanding community participation and strengthening education-linked incentives.
The organisers hope the programme can serve as a template for private-sector-led environmental responsibility across Nigeria’s coastal states.
-
Entertainment4 days agoDavido Denies Paternity as Alleged Teenage Daughter’s Mother Calls for Fresh DNA Test
-
Crime3 days agoGunmen Kidnap Expatriate, Kill Policeman in Ogunmakin Near Ibadan
-
Crime4 days agoEFCC Traces Billions Through Banks in ₦110.4bn Yahaya Bello Trial
-
health5 days agoNigeria’s Rising Diet Crisis: Journalists Trained on Planetary Health Diet as NCD Deaths Surge
-
Nigeria News3 days agoMatawalle’s Nine Children to Wed on Same Day in Abuja
-
Education5 days agoTinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Targets Skills, Loans and Data to Rebuild Nigeria’s Education System
-
Security3 days agoNDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Kingpin Kanmo-Kanmo 12 Years After Killing Three Officers
-
Sports3 days agoSenegal Edge Morocco in Chaotic AFCON Final to Win Second Title
