Cross section of stakeholders at the meeting
OSEPA Tasks Weewood,Host Communities On Environmental Best Practices
In its bid to rid Ondo State of any form of environmental pollution, the 0ndo state Environmental Protection Agency (0SEPA) has held a stakeholder meeting with WeeWood Nigeria Limited 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, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Honourable Oyeniyi 0seni noted that the administration of Arakunrin 0luwarotimi Akeredolu places value on the environment and the well-being of the citizens of the state.
0seni equally noted that 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 resucitation of 0SEPA to monitor the activities of production facilities across the state in line with world best practices.
The Special Adviser to the governor noted that the agency has been monitoring the activities of WeeWood Limited 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.
0seni further informed the gathering that OSEPA took samples of water and soil components from 10km radius to the production facilities and enfluent discharge site of WeeWood for proper analysis at the laboratory.
The Special Adviser stated that the laboratory result showed that there were no significant negative impacts on the communities.
He attributed the recent laboratory result to the resilience of officials of OSEPA in setting guidelines for the company and ensuring compliance with same.
Oseni added that OSEPA will continue to monitor the compliance level of production facilities across the state and stem the tide of industrial pollution.
In his remark, the Halu of Ode Aye kingdom, His Highness Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade thanked the state government for the timely intervention and called for peaceful co-existence in the area.
The Chairman of Aye community Development Union, Chief Henry 0ladunjoye stressed the need for WeeWood Limited to check some of its activities that could negatively impact on the health of the people living in the area.
0loja Olu Akoko of 0motosho while speaking, 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 remark,the Acting Permanent Secretary, princess Giwa Akorede Abosede said the Agency would continue to play its role of Environmental Police in order to protect the EcoSystem.
She 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 0batedo kingdom, 0loja of Ifara-Akinfosile and 0loja of 0kedebi
By Bisi Agboola
