Health

Ogun Residents Lament Illegal Dump, Urge Government Action

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2025

Ogun residents lament illegal dump in Pakuro, urging swift government action to prevent health risks from the growing waste and foul odour

Residents and traders told our correspondents that the stench from the mounting refuse has made daily life unbearable. Commuters waiting at bus stops endure the foul odour, while those living and trading nearby complain of breathing difficulties.

Also read: Ogun Court Extends Gbenga Daniel Protection in Major Win

A business owner, Okafor Sunday, said the dumpsite was a threat to their health.

“As we are sitting here, we can barely breathe because of the odour coming from the refuse dump. The government has refused to do its job, and it is killing us slowly,” he lamented.

Another resident, Peace, revealed that the community had resorted to burning waste since officials stopped collecting refuse.

“It has been almost three months since the waste management officials came. Some residents pack and burn the waste every Thursday, but the smoke is also unbearable and dangerous,” she explained.

A trader, Godwin, added that the rubbish had clogged drainage channels, worsening pollution.

“The refuse smells so bad, especially when it is hot. It also blocks the drainage, creating potholes and stagnant water, which makes the smell worse,” he said.

He appealed to the government to provide a proper disposal system to protect lives.

Responding, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the government had begun steps to clear the dumpsite.

“I have instructed the Managing Director, Ogun State Waste Management Authority, Abayomi Hunye, to close the dump immediately. I am very sure he will do the needful promptly,” Oresanya told our correspondent by telephone.

Also read: Early Childcare in Ogun State Gains Boost with UNICEF Support

The commissioner acknowledged earlier in February that illegal dumps had become a recurring challenge across the state. He assured residents that the ministry was working towards shutting down the sites as part of wider reforms in the waste management system.

Up Next

FCT Doctors Indefinite Strike Leaves Patients Stranded

Don't Miss

Beans Farmers Dismiss Harmful Cement Allegation

theheute

Click to comment

Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

17 minutes ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.