Ogun State government says as the nature’s industrial hub with density of economic activities, it will continue to manage it’s environmental footprint.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, stated this when he declared open the 4th edition of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Annual Chemical Users and Handlers Workshop, Themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solution for Ogun State.
According to him given high concentration of industry in the state, it has become a primary destination for end-of -life electrical electronic equipment, it’s improper dismantling and disposal.
“This improper handling and disposal releases lead, mercury, brominate flame retardants and other toxic substances into our soil and waterway threatening the health of residents particularly communities” He said.
Governor Abiodun said the same e-waste when proper managed hold extraordinary value as a single tonne contains up to one hundred times more gold ore alongside silver, cooper and palladium, as e-waste been discarded is gold mine, which ogun state is determined to claim responsibility.
Representing the Commissioner for Environment, Permanent secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Kafayat Lawal, revealed that the conversation could not be more timely as Nigeria generates over half a million tonnes of e-waste annually and ogun state as a major industrial hub, is uniquely positioned to turn this challenge into opportunity, stressing that if poorly managed, e-waste contaminates our soil, water and poses serious public health risks particularly to our children, but when properly harnessed, it drives innovation, create jobs and support sustainable economic growth.
Also speaking, the Director General National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Barikor, said his agency is working closely with financial institutions to address the growing challenges of e-waste within the sector.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Manager, OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, said the workshop was aimed at creating a structured, safe and forward thinking framework for e-waste management, adding that the regulation alone is not enough, hence the need for more collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practices, particularly in safe chemical handling during e-waste recycling.
Responding on behalf b Deborah, commended the organisers saying that this workshop was timely in enlightening the participants.
