By ABIODUN LAWAL

The Ogun government 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.

This is contained in a statement in Abeokuta on Monday by Mr Goke Gbadamosi, Public Relations Officer and Information Officer of the state Ministry of Health.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government recently identified and sealed a used lead-acid battery recycling plants in the area after reports of an alleged lead poisoning surfaced in November 2025.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed the commencement of the health audit during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Ologijo’s Palace.

Coker said the state government had completed blood sample collection from over 500 scientifically selected residents to determine their Blood Lead Levels (BLL).

She noted that global attention following reports by some international media organisations had placed Ogijo in the international spotlight, necessitating a deliberate and structured government response.

She explained that shortly after the reports emerged, the Ministries of Health and Environment visited the affected communities to allay fears and outline a clear monitoring, evaluation and response framework.

“The health sector deliberately adopted a scientific approach to the audit process.

“His Excellency directed that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) be engaged to independently conduct the study to ensure 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.

“NIMR commenced fieldwork in the community last week and has collected over 500 blood samples using a stratified scientific methodology, covering individuals previously identified with elevated blood lead levels,” she said.

Coker acknowledged that some facilities earlier sealed had since been reopened by the ministry of environment following compliance reviews.

She stated that the ministry of health would institute a monitoring protocol requiring periodic blood lead level testing for workers in the affected industries to safeguard them against health risks.

She assured residents that the governor remains committed to their welfare.

In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMR, Prof. Oladipo Obafunwa, said the institute deployed a professional team to conduct the exercise in line with established scientific standards.

Responding, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, commended the state government for its timely intervention and transparent engagement. (NAN)