….. OSEPA ENGAGES WEWOOD LTD. AND HOST COMMUNITIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICES
In furtherance to its avowed commitment to rid Ondo State of any form of environmental pollution, the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) had held a special stakeholders’ meeting with WEWOOD LTD and its host communities in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This is with a view to ensuring that the activities of the Company does not impact negatively on its host communities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni noted that the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON places value on the friendly environment and the well-being of the citizens of the State.
The SA equally noted that the present administration is willing to create enabling environment for the private sector to thrive in such a way that would not impede on the welfare of their host communities.
Hence, the need for the resuscitation of OSEPA to monitor the activities of production facilities across the State in line with world best practices.
Hon Oseni noted that the Agency has been monitoring the activities of Wewood Ltd. and has directed the Company to take some steps in handling their industrial waste in a bid to protect the health of the host communities.
Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni informed the gathering that OSEPA took samples of water and soil components from 10km radius to the production facilities and effluent discharge site of Wewood Ltd. for proper analysis at the Laboratory.
The Special Adviser stated that the Laboratory results showed that there were no significant negative impacts on the communities.
He attributed the recent laboratory result to the recilience of officials of OSEPA in setting guidelines for the Company and ensuring compliance with same.
The Special Adviser added that OSEPA would continue to monitor the compliance level of production facilities across the State and stem the tide of industrial pollution.
In his remarks, the Halu of Ode-Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa local government area of the state, HRM Oba Akinlade thanked the State Government for the timely intervention and called for peaceful coexistence in the area.
The Chairman of Aaye Community Development Union, Mr. Henry Oladunjoye stressed the need for Wewood Ltd. to check some of its activities that could jeopardize the health of the people living in the area.
In his own contribution, the Oloja Olu Akoko of Omotoso noted that the presence of the Company has been a blessing to the communities especially in the area of employment of their teeming youths.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Ag. Permanent Secretary of OSEPA, Princess Korede Giwa said the Agency would continue to play its role of environmental police in order to protect the Ecosystem.
Princess Korede Giwa thereafter, urged members of the host communities to live in harmony with the Company in order to boost the economy of the State.
Other relevant stakeholders present at the meeting include, Oloja of Obatedo kingdom, Oloja of Ifara, Akinfosila and Oloja of Okedebi.
