EHOAN OGUN STATE

Ogun seals church, bar over noise pollution
By : Segun Ayinde

Date: 18 January 2026 3:49pm WAT

The Ogun State Government has sealed off a church along Ima Road, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, and a popular nightlife spot in Ota over alleged noise pollution.

The sealing off followed an enforcement exercise carried out by a task force of the ministry, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Tolu Poviwhede.

Poviwhede said the exercise was part of the state’s sustained efforts to curb environmental nuisance and protect residents from the harmful effects of excessive noise.

He stated during the operation that the action followed repeated complaints from members of the public and the failure of the affected establishments to adhere to stipulated noise control regulations.

“Ogun State Government will no longer tolerate activities that endanger the peace, health and well-being of residents. We received several complaints about excessive noise from these locations. Despite previous warnings, there was no compliance; hence, the enforcement team took decisive action to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all,” Poviwhede said.

The SA further explained that the church was found to be operating sound equipment far above permissible levels during services, while the bar in Ota was accused of generating loud music late into the night, causing disturbance to surrounding communities.

He, however, stressed that the exercise was not targeted at any religious or business establishment, as environmental laws apply equally to all.

“Whether it is a church, mosque, bar or event centre, the law is clear. Everyone must operate within approved environmental standards. Our responsibility is to protect the larger interest of the public,” Poviwhede noted.

He added that the affected facilities would remain sealed until they meet all environmental requirements and operate within approved noise limits, saying the government was committed to strict enforcement of environmental laws.

The SA also revealed that the task force visited popular markets across the Sango Ota axis and Ifo Main Market to enforce compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations.

During the exercise, marketers operating within road setbacks, medians and pedestrian walkways were directed to vacate such areas to restore free movement and ensure public safety.

He opined that enforcement became necessary due to the growing rate of encroachment on public spaces, adding that the process would be continuous and facilities would be monitored to ensure total compliance.

Poviwhede added that the government had zero tolerance for environmental abuse and urged residents, religious bodies and business operators to cooperate with authorities to promote a clean, safe and sustainable environment across the state.

He stressed that a stern warning had been issued to traders in popular markets across the state, including those in Abeokuta, Ifo and Sagamu, as well as markets such as Sabo Market, Oke-Aje in Ijebu-Ode, Ifo Market and Sango, especially those operating under bridges, instructing them to comply and move away from road setbacks and pedestrian walkways.

Sanitarian Onaolapo Onaolapo Benjamin Olukunle , happy birthday to you boss, may the good Lord bless you new age in Jesus name .

📻 Join the conversation on Voice of the Patriots—Zents 90.9 FM Abeokuta!

🎙 Host: 'Wale Oloyede
👤 Guests:
Sanitarian Taiwo Akinwumi (Environmental Health Officer) | Sanitarian Ayowole Holo (Environmental Health Officer)

🗣 Discussion Topic:
Securing Healthy Environment at Yuletide and Dry Season.

🗓 Date: Friday, December 26th, 2025.
⏰ Time: 12:15 PM
📞 Studio Lines: ‪‪+234 811 506 2009‬‬ | ‪‪+234 813 437 3857‬‬
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MEDIA ALERT

OGWAMA HALF HOUR

Sanita Sanitatum

This is to inform us that there will be a live radio program tomorrow as we shall be discussing on Environmental Sanitation, the roles of citizens and the government.

Guest: Sanitarian Osimade Olayinka Peter (Ogun State Ministry of Environment).

Topic: Environmental Sanitation, the roles of citizens and the government.

Àkòrí: Imototo ayika, kini ojuse awa ara ilu ati ijoba.

Station: OGBC 90.5FM

Time: 10:00am

Date: Saturday, 6th December, 2025.

Studio line: 08034379453

Announcer: Sanitarian Akinolá Olúwarantimi P.R.O

Team of Environmental Health Officers from Ijebu North ably led by Sanitarian Ogunyemi Abiola are out there to teach the teachers, analysing the National policy on school inspection.

KNOW YOUR BREAD, KNOW THE RISKS, KNOW THE SIGNS OF BROMATE

I've come to realize that many people don't know what bromate is and hence don't care when bakery indicate it in their bread BROMATE FREE. Today come close let's learn.

WHAT IS BROMATE?
Potassium bromate is a dangerous chemical some bakers add to bread to
✔ Makes dough rise higher
✔ Makes bread very soft
✔ Gives a smooth texture
✔ Makes bread look whiter
✔ It is cheap and increases profit
But profit should never be more important than people’s health because that perfection comes with dangerous health risks.

THE EFFECT OF THIS BROMATE TO HUMAN HEALTH

✅ IT CAN CAUSE CANCER
This is the most serious danger bromate is a Group 2B carcinogen. It causes cancer because it:
🔹 Creates harmful free radicals:- These attack cells and damage DNA. Once DNA is damaged repeatedly, cancer begins.
🔹 Causes oxidative stress:- This weakens organs like the kidney, liver and intestines, making them more vulnerable to cancer.
🔹 Survives baking:- If bread is not well baked, some bromate remains inside and you eat it unknowingly.

✅ KIDNEY DAMAGE
The kidney struggles to filter bromate. Over time, it can lead to:
🔹Kidney failure
🔹Reduced kidney function
🔹Chronic kidney disease

✅ NERVE AND ORGAN DAMAGE
Bromate can destroy body cells and nerves because it is a strong oxidizing chemical.

✅ STOMACH ISSUES
It can cause: vomiting nausea stomach pain irritation Especially when consumed often.

HOW TO IDENTIFY BREAD THAT MAY CONTAIN BROMATE
Look out for these signs:
👉🏾 Too white, unnaturally white bread
👉🏾 Stays too soft for many hours
👉🏾 Very stretchy or rubbery texture
👉🏾 Rises unusually tall and fluffy
👉🏾 Has a slight chemical smell
👉🏾 Does not break easily; feels elastic
👉🏾 Very cheap but looks “too perfect”
These signs don’t confirm 100%, but they help you suspect unsafe bread.

WHY BROMATE MUST STOP
Bread is eaten daily by children, workers,elderly people, sick people literally everybody. Something eaten this often must be safe. Many countries banned bromate over 20 years ago. We deserve safe bread too.

MY MESSAGE TO EVERYONE
▶️ TO BAKERS:
Choose health over profit, your customers trust you, don’t betray that trust.

▶️ TO CONSUMERS: Ask questions, be alert. Protect yourself and your family.

▶️ TO EHOS AND AUTHORITIES:
Let us inspect, monitor, educate and enforce. Food safety is not optional, it is a duty.

▶️ TO EVERYONE:
Bread should feed you, not harm you.

Bromate must stop, safe bread is a right, not a privilege.

Malyk Emi Peace
(SAN, EHO)
Environmental Health Educator & Counselor

OGUN SEALS ADATAN MARKET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS

The Ogun State Government has sealed the Adatan Market in Abeokuta for environmental infractions violations and illegal roadside trading.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Farouk Akintunde, who also doubles as the chairman Ogun State Task Force on Environmental Compliance, made this known to Journalists in his office at Oke-Mosan, after an enforcement exercise.

Akintunde explained that Adatan Market was sealed due to traders dumping refuse indiscriminately in the drainage channels, displaying of goods on the walkway and on the drainages.

He warned that the Government would no longer tolerate disregard for environmental regulations.

"Market traders across Ogun State should take ownership of drainage channels in front of their shops, desilt and clear them to prevent flooding, while they should also note that Thursday of the week has been set aside in Ogun State for markets to observe sanitation which must be strictly adhered to," he said.

Hon. Akintunde revealed that the enforcement and eventual closure of the market followed several months of warnings and engagements with traders which they refused to yield to.

The OGEPA Boss, noted that the series of enforcement actions underscored the State Government's zero tolerance on Environmental pollution and its renewed commitment to keeping the State clean.

Subsequently, Alaga Restaurant along Mercy road, Panseke and Sintinatti Bar in Oke-Ilewo, both in Abeokuta were also sealed for poor management of waste water, discharged into the environment.



Luke Adebesin,

Information & Public Relations Officer, OGEPA

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Adesina Aderibigbe, Nikky Chris, Luka Seyan Godwin

LASEPA, UNIDO, JAPAN GOVERNMENT STRENGTHEN CHOLERA AWARENESS DRIVE lN LAGOS

… Move Public Awareness Campaign to Ojo LG

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, has continued its statewide Cholera Prevention Campaign with another round of public awareness and capacity-building engagement held in Ojo Local Government Area of the State.

The exercise, conducted under Project 240236 titled “Emergency Capacity Building of the Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreaks,” is aimed at empowering informal food handlers, water vendors, and waste workers with the right knowledge and preventive practices to curb the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Lagos State.

The Sensitisation Campaign, which took place at Gastro Restaurant and Lounge, LASU–Iyana Iba Road, Ojo, brought together stakeholders across the informal sector, including food and water vendors, waste workers, community members, and students.

Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, explained that cholera remains a preventable water and food-borne disease caused by poor hygiene and environmental contamination.

Dr. Gaji, who was represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Dr. Sanuth Hassan noted that Lagos, being a coastal State, is highly vulnerable to outbreaks if sanitation practices are neglected. He emphasised that residents must ensure that all drinking water is properly treated or boiled, and that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.

He added that the State government is embarking on transforming existing dumpsites into material recovery centres as part of efforts to improve waste management, reduce flooding, and minimize environmental pollution.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi stated that the Agency’s role in the ongoing cholera prevention project includes investigating sources of water contamination, creating public awareness, and building community capacity to manage waste effectively and prevent pollution.

Dr, Ajayi, who was represented by the Director, Engineering Services, LASEPA, Engr. Taiwo Olumuyiwa disclosed that the Agency routinely conducts water quality assessments across the State to monitor contamination levels and take corrective actions.

He added that the current phase of the project involves sustained community sensitisation in different local government areas, followed by enforcement where necessary.

He explained that environmental health enforcement would be intensified to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations and prevent practices that could endanger public health.

In her address, UNIDO Project Assistant, Ms. Wunako Elam, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive response to cholera prevention and expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for funding the one-year project.

She described the initiative as a practical and timely intervention that not only addresses previous cholera outbreaks but also strengthens Lagos State’s preparedness for future occurrences by targeting high-risk groups such as informal food and water vendors and waste workers.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of UNIDO, Project, public servants, Environmental Health Officials from Ojo Local Government area, artisans and students, among others.