By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ogun State Government has strengthened its partnership with the Federal Government to investigate recurring methane emission incidents in Ijebu-Ode and neighbouring communities, assuring residents of efforts to identify the source and prevent further occurrences.
The investigation follows four reported incidents of gas emissions that have caused persistent unpleasant odour in parts of Ijebu-Ode and raised concerns over possible environmental and health risks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the state government disclosed that a team of experts from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside development partners, had commenced a technical assessment of the affected areas.
The delegation, led by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Mr. Omonedo Prosper, is examining the emission patterns and possible sources of the gas following preliminary briefings by state government officials on measures already taken to address the situation.
Akinmade said the state government would make the investigation findings available to the public, implement recommended preventive measures and provide necessary health monitoring and support for affected communities.
He identified Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu East and Odogbolu, among other communities in Ogun East, as areas requiring continued attention as investigations and monitoring progress.
He stressed that collaboration with federal agencies and research institutions was essential to finding a lasting solution, adding that the state government was committed to implementing the recommendations of the investigating team.
The government also assured residents that their safety and welfare remained a priority, pledging to sustain engagement with relevant authorities until the situation was comprehensively addressed.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ikhane Phillips, explained that geochemical analysis would help determine the composition and source of the gas, while geophysical investigations would establish its possible underground origin and movement.
He said findings from site inspections and laboratory tests would provide the scientific basis for determining appropriate interventions.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, disclosed that the state was working with the Federal Government to tackle the situation. He called for improved information sharing to address public concerns and advised residents to observe precautionary measures whenever the unpleasant odour occurred.
Oresanya also assured residents that the gas was not lethal.
Meanwhile, Ijebu Para’po Info Media has commended Governor Abiodun and the NUPRC for their intervention, describing the ongoing investigation as an important step towards resolving the recurring emissions.
The group praised the state government for responding to residents’ concerns and maintaining engagement with relevant authorities, expressing hope that the investigation would lead to a permanent solution.
