Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has intervened in a dispute between Monarch Steel Mill Limited and Olorunsogo Ipetoro Community Development Association (CDA), Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following a petition submitted by the community.

The petition, signed by the Chairman of the community, Mr. Michael Bilesanmi, was presented to OGEPA, drawing the Agency's attention to concerns surrounding the expansion plan of Monarch Steel Mill Limited.

The community also sought an investigation into the company's acquisition of properties within the community, expressing concerns over the manner in which the exercise was being carried out as part of efforts to expand its activities

In response to the petition, General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, convened a stakeholders' meeting involving representatives of the community and Monarch Steel Mill Limited to resolve the issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Bello, stressed the importance of proper industrial planning, noting that industries should be located within designated industrial zones, adding that environmental sustainability and the welfare of host communities must remain a priority in industrial development.

Bello, said the expansion was a process of establishing a proposed buffer zone, aimed at ensuring the company's operation do not adversely affect residents and other developed areas within the community.

The General Manager emphasised that, while industries have the right to expand their operations, such expansion must be carried out in accordance with environmental regulations and with due respect for the rights of residents and property owners within the affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, all parties agreed that Monarch Steel Mill Limited should not compel any resident to sell his or her property and it was resolved that only property owners who were willing to sell should be considered in the company's acquisition process.

The resolutions reached at the meeting were unanimously accepted by representatives of the community and the company, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the agreements would promote peaceful coexistence, protect residents' interests and ensure that industrial activities were carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.

Also, the community electricity transformer should be relocated within the company's premises, while an access gate should be provided to enable both the community and the company have unhindered access to the facility with the directive that the company should undertake the repair of the transformer.