In its continued efforts to protect the environment and public health, Ogun State government has urged industries to adopt environmental-friendly best practices in their operations, towards achieving peaceful co-existence with host communities.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Mr. Damilare Kehinde made this call during an inspection visit to Phoenix Steel Mill Industries and DTO Industries Nigeria Limited both in Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, following complaints from residents of the area.

 Mr. Kehinde stated that the aim of the visit was to respond to repeated environmental infractions by the industries, which had exposed residents to health hazards and hardship, saying the state government would not tolerate any environmental degradation caused as a result of poor Environmental Management System (EMS), Compliance Management System (CMS), and Safety Management System (SMS).

"We aim to ensure a proper environmental system, hence the significant efforts by the state government to ensure that industries take heed and adopt sustainable practices to avoid facing consequences.  This agency will not hesitate to take a stern stance in shutting down any company that is found culpable, until all identified infractions are corrected and certified", he said.

The Special Adviser reiterated Governor Dapo Abiodun's commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all citizens, by enforcing industries' environmental compliance, to prevent threats to the public.

Remarking, Chairman and Treasurer of Ewuoya community, Messers Ifaola Oladipupo and Joshua Oluwagbemi, expressed appreciation to government for the swift response to the issue, imploring industries to take their environmental and safety responsibilities seriously.