By our Reporter
The Ogun State Government has lifted ban on dredging and mining activities issuing out a charge that all dredgers and miners should comply strictly with agreed templates and ensure responsible operations.
The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe who dropped this hint during a press conference in Abeokuta, said the decision to lift the ban was to put safety of the host communities on the front burner.
The government had earlier banned dredging and mining operations across the State due to infractions detrimental to environmental conditions in some communities, especially at Abule Oko in Magboro, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, the Commissioner said dredgers must operate using their identification numbers or tags, adding that the government would not permit any form of non-conformity with the directive.
“We should think of the health and safety of others. Dredging or mining should not be at the expense of others safety”, Longe said.
Announcing the lifting of the ban, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya said the government had reached amicable agreement with relevant stakeholders to enable dredgers, miners and host communities be in unity.
"We have reached amicable agreement and we have been directed to have a conditional lift of the ban in the State. Miners and dredgers can go back to work and comply with all new rules of engagement that have been stated by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment with the Ministries of Environment, Transportation and Urban and Physical Planning", Oresanya said.Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Abule-Oko Community, Magboro, Mr. Kunle Awosika whose community was affected by dredging activities said the activities of dredgers was creating environmental hazards as well as affecting roads within the community, calling on dredgers to fix the damaged roads.
Also speaking, a representative of dredgers in the State, Mr. Adewale Ogunremi assured that they would comply with new directives, adding that they have reached an agreement with host communities to fix the damaged roads.