Abandoned market dumpsite sparks disease fears in Ogun communities

Residents in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, are raising urgent concerns over an abandoned dumpsite that has become a significant health hazard and a major source of discomfort. The growing refuse pile along Sholu-Kajola Road is not only emitting unbearable odors but has also severely obstructed the primary route connecting the expressway to more than 80 communities and villages.

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That dumpsite is less than a minute from the expressway, and it has almost blocked the road completely. It is the major road leading to Sholu Road, Kajola Activity Village and several other communities.

Community members, including businessman Olatunde Badru, describe the dumpsite as nearly blocking the road, making movement difficult. The stench is so pervasive that people are forced to cover their noses, even while selling and consuming food in the vicinity. Despite online attention and visits from government officials last September who promised clearance, no action has been taken, leaving residents frustrated.

Esther Adelakun, chairman of the Emilajulo Okepata Community Development Committee, highlighted years of neglect by the state government. Officials from the Ministries of Works and Environment have inspected the site and made promises, but the situation persists. Residents have resorted to self-help, contributing money for road repairs and even sourcing granite from Ewekoro to fill potholes, but the problem continually returns.

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We have done a lot concerning this dumpsite and the bad road. Officials from the Ministries of Works and Environment came to inspect the place and promised to act, but nothing changed.

Adelakun blames traders at the nearby Oja Agbe market for indiscriminate dumping. "The waste mostly comes from the market," she stated. "We once cleared and graded the area ourselves, but within three months the refuse returned, and the road became impassable again." The unbearable stench particularly affects meat sellers and produce traders, deterring customers. The dire conditions have led to disease fears, driven businesses away, and caused numerous motorcycle accidents, prompting some residents to consider leaving their homes.

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The stench is unbearable. Meat sellers and traders dealing in farm produce are seriously affected because customers can hardly st