The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, has confirmed the outbreak of air pollution that has led to no fewer than 100 students in various schools in the State being hospitalized
The Commissioner, in a statement however, gave assurance that the ministry and relevant agencies have commenced necessary interventions in the matter. Such other agencies, he said, include ministries of education, environment, security agencies and local government authorities.
The commissioner explained that an Air Quality Monitoring Device installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School had detected what he called “elevated methane concentrations.”
He said that the device recorded methane concentrations of about 13,500 parts per million (ppm) in surrounding areas.
According to him, the monitoring device forms part of the state’s environmental surveillance programme for detecting abnormal air quality conditions.
Oresanya said that the methane concentration remained below the lower explosive limit but required immediate technical investigation and precautionary measures.
He said that the state government would activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team to investigate the incident.
He added that the team would determine the emission source, assess exposure risks and evaluate other associated gases in the environment.
He listed the gases to be investigated as hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds and other air quality parameters. The commissioner advised residents to avoid open flames near areas with unusual gas odours.
He also advised residents who are experiencing dizziness, headaches, nausea or respiratory discomfort to seek immediate medical attention.
Oresanya reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting lives, public health, and environmental safety across the state just as he assured residents that verified updates would be provided as investigations progress.
