A joint assessment has commenced between the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ogun State Government following reports of lead exposure linked to battery recycling activities in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The exercise began after a meeting in Abeokuta between the Federal Ministry delegation, led by Mrs. Fumilayo Adams, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, before the team proceeded to the affected community.
Mrs. Adams explained that the mission aims to gather factual information and support the State in mounting a coordinated response. She said the team would conduct a rapid risk assessment to identify sources of exposure, assess community vulnerability, and evaluate the readiness of priority health facilities to manage suspected cases.
“We will start with stakeholder and facility mapping to guide field deployment. The exercise will involve site walk-throughs, community interviews, and stakeholder engagement,” Adams said.
She added that four complementary approaches would guide the assessment: environmental walk-throughs, facility readiness checks, household and community interviews, and structured stakeholder consultations.
Responding, Dr. Coker thanked the Federal Ministry for its prompt intervention, noting that the State had already activated internal structures to protect residents and ensure accurate reporting. “We should be methodical in our approach and follow national guidelines whenever people are being tested,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, assured the federal team of full cooperation, pledging manpower support to facilitate the assessment and response activities in the affected area.
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