By Abbas Nazil
The Ogun State government has sealed a filling station and several shops in Magboro, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state over environmental violations following complaints from the community.
The action was carried out by the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) after a petition was submitted by the leadership of the Magboro Community Development Committee (CDC).
Farouk Akintunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on OGEPA and chairman of the State Task Force on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, disclosed the development during an interactive session with journalists in Abeokuta on Friday.
According to Akintunde, the petition alleged that the filling station and other businesses along Magboro Road had failed to cooperate with the community in desilting their drainage channels, a practice necessary to prevent flooding.
He emphasized that every Thursday has been set aside in Ogun State for sanitation exercises in markets and business premises, warning that strict compliance is required.
Business and property owners, he added, must take responsibility for the drainage channels in front of their establishments to keep them free from blockages.
The enforcement team, led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Poviwhede Tolu, also dismantled shanties erected along drainage channels, setbacks, walkways, and under the Magboro bridge as part of the exercise.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention.
The Treasurer of Magboro Area CDC, Mr. Mojeed Makonjuola, and a resident, Mr. Olawale Ayeni, commended the authorities for addressing their concerns, noting that the enforcement would improve environmental safety and community well-being.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across Ogun, stressing that violators would face sanctions to safeguard public health and prevent disasters.
