Ondo State Government sues for Peace between Wewood and host communities as stakeholders meeting holds.
– Steve Ovirih.
The Government of Ondo State has charged the host communities of Wewood Limited operating in the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, Omotoso, to maintain the peace and continue to sustain cordial relationship between Wewood Limited and themselves as the only panacea for the economic growth of the host communities of the industrial giant is mutual relationship that will engender peace and industrial harmony in the area.
Giving this frank piece of advice was the Special Adviser on the Environment to Ondo State Government , who is also in charge of Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency, ODSEPA, Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni at a stakeholders meeting of the host communities and the management of Wewood Limited, which held on Thursday, 12th January at Amazon Hotel, Okitipupa, Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State.
Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni led the Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency ( ODSEPA), Mrs Korede Giwa, the Director of Pollution in the Agency, Mr. Obanoye and other Directors to the stakeholders meeting.
Also in attendance at the stakeholders parley were the Halu of Aye, His Royal Majesty, Oba Williams Akinlade, and his Council of Chiefs among whom were Chief Henry Olatujoye, President Federation of Ode Aye Development Association ( FODA), High Chief Omowole, the Jomo of Aye kingdom, and others; the Olu Akoko of Omotoso, Oloja Agbaraolorun Igbasan, Oloja Bamidele Bajowa, the Oloja of Bajowa village, the people of Obatedo and their Oloja, Oloja Femi Omowaye Emmanuel as well as the Obatedo community’s counsel, Barr. Oroyo and others.
The Management of Wewood Limited was represented by the Public Relations Manager and Community Liason Officer ( CLO) Wewood Ltd, Prince Adewale Omolayo and Engr Faseyi, Human Resources Manager at Wewood.
In her opening remarks, Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Environment Protection Agency, Mrs . Korede Giwa, on behalf of the SA on Environment welcomed all the participants to the meeting. She said ODSEPA as a regulatory agency is meant to regulate World Health standards on the Environmental Impact of companies such as Wewood on the environment, noting that ODSEPA as a government agency is for mutual peace between the companies across Ondo State and their host environment.
A short narration on the level of compliance and monitoring of Wewood Limited with detailed evaluation shown through visual display was delivered by the agency’s Director of Pollution, Mr. Obanoye.
Respective reactions followed from members of the different host communities in attendance. Chief Henry Olatujoye, President, Federation of Ode Aye Development Association ( FODA) noted that the deposits made by the company in waters cutting across Okitipupa have changed the water body, stressing that beyond the environmental impact, the social impact of the company’s activities should be beamed a searchlight on.
The FODA President charged ODSEPA to report to the stakeholder communities its environmental impact findings, asking how far has Wewood help in the sustainability of the host communities.
In his frank opinion and contribution, another community stakeholder and the immediate host of the industrial manufacturing giant , the Olu Akoko of Omotoso, Oloja Agbaraolorun Igbasan, noted that while Wewood is located at Omotoso according to the map of Okitipupa Local government and Ondo State Forestry Documents, the people of Omotoso have continued to maintain warm , mutual cooperation with the company and peace has continued to reign between the company and the host community.
“In all fairness, Wewood Limited has been supporting Omotoso, providing jobs for the youths and amenities for the town . The company has no negative environmental impact on the Omotoso community, ” Oloja Agbaraolorun Igbasan submitted.
However, Barr. Oroyo, speaking on behalf of Oloja of Obatedo, Oloja Femi Omowaye Emmanuel and the people of Obatedo averred that the company impacts negatively on Obatedo socio-geographical environment , noting that industrial and chemical waste from the company is hazardous to Obatedo community, which is in the neighborhood of the community.
Lord Isaac Omogoroye in his reaction wanted to know if there was plan to cater to the environmental interest of neighbouring communities of Wewood.
However the Youth leader of Omotoso , Comrade Juwa Durojaye Samuel, who thanked Wewood for its positive impact on the host communities noted that the youths of Omotoso are on the same page with the company as its establishment has helped to reduce youth unemployment, adding that all the host and neighbouring communities should join hands together to ensure activities that could discourage wewood from growing well is not sustained.
From the State Government side, Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni, Special Adviser on Environment to Gov Akeredolu having listened to the plethora of opinions and concerns raised by the stakeholders , thanked them for attending the scheduled meeting and revealed that Ondo State Government is concerned about industrial growth of the state , hence the hand of support extended to ensure industries like Wewood spring up across the State, adding however that the state government is also particular about the environment and won’t encourage industrial growth to impact negatively on the environment or affect the wellbeing of the good people of Ondo state.
Mr. Oseni emphasized that there was a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment ( IEA) before Wewood was established and this takes care of social impact, traffic information, the environment and lots more .
Oseni said, ” Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency ( ODSEPA) supervises the environmental activities of industries and there is no company that is established in the state that would not have factored Environmental Impact Assessment prior to its establishment. ”
Going further, the SA on Environment said Omotoso Industrial Park is for the advantage of the host communities and the environment, stressing that rather than for people to ventilate their perceived grievances in a way that will portend hostility, the host and neighbouring communities of the manufacturing company should see advocacy as a more better option.
He indicated that While Wewood has carried out required sample , ODSEPA has gone further to effect a thorough research analysis , sending Environmental sample reports to experts at the Federal University of Technology, FUTA , Akure, noting that comprehensive results of the analysis is out and will be made available at the appropriate time.
Speaking with thepolity.net on the fringe of the stakeholders meeting, Mr Oyeniyi Oseni, the SA on Environment said government cannot fold its arm and watch breakdown of peace between the companies buoying the state economy and their host communities, hence the stakeholders meeting to educate the stakeholders to take advantage of the presence of ODSEPA, the agency of government which mandate covers ensuring companies and industries prevent environmental hazards , pollution, environmental and social impacts that could be at the host communities ‘ disadvantage.
In his own reaction in an exclusive media chat with thepolity.net, the Public Relations Manager and Liason Officer of Wewood Limited, Prince Adewale Omolayo noted that the company which interest he represents is not indifferent to the environmental concern of the host communities, stressing that as a son of the soil , he stands as a go-between the host communities and his company and he won’t misrepresent either of the two entities because his beat requires he ensures a sustainable and symbiotic relationship between the host communities and Wewood Ltd.
Adewale Omolayo said Wewood has engaged in series of corporate social responsibility ( CSR) efforts to create positive fusion among the host communities, saluting Oloja Agbaraolorun Igbasan for giving credence to this during his contribution. He assured the host communities that the comapny will continue to be proactive about its Environmental and social impact assessment activities.
Adewale Omolayo vowed to work effectively within the confines of his scope of work to the progress of the company, the development of Ikaleland and entire Ondo State, adding that he will not allow himself to be intimidated by any Nigerian or foreigner or any one who is not in support of the development of the company or the communities, stressing that he will continue to discharge his duties according to the mandate of his appointment.
