OGEPA Resolves Dispute Between Monarch Steel and Ogijo Community
Aina Obasanjo
The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, OGEPA, has resolved a dispute between Monarch Steel Mill Limited and the Olorunsogo Ipetoro Community Development Association in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The disagreement followed a petition by the community over the company's planned expansion and the proposed acquisition of residential properties.
At a stakeholders' meeting chaired by OGEPA's General Manager, Hon. Kehinde Bello, both parties agreed that no resident will be forced to sell his or her property. Only property owners willing to sell will be considered in the acquisition process.
Hon. Bello said while industries have the right to expand, such expansion must comply with environmental regulations and safeguard the rights and welfare of host communities.
He added that the expansion plan includes the creation of a buffer zone to reduce the impact of industrial activities on nearby residents.
The meeting also resolved that the community's electricity transformer will be relocated within the company's premises, with an access gate provided for both the community and the company.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that the agreement will promote peaceful coexistence, protect residents' interests, and encourage environmentally responsible industrial development.

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