There have been growing reports and concerns from residents across Akure and other parts of Ondo State regarding a persistent and unusual odour being experienced in different locations.
As a public health advocate and environmental health professional, I believe this development deserves immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
At this stage, the source and chemical composition of the odour have not been scientifically established, and it would therefore be irresponsible to speculate about its cause or attribute it to any particular industrial facility, waste site, chemical substance or environmental incident without proper investigation.
However, the widespread nature of the complaints makes this a matter that should not be dismissed.
A CALL FOR URGENT MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION
I respectfully call on the Ondo State Government, through the relevant ministries, departments and agencies, to urgently investigate the reports and provide the public with scientifically verified information.
I particularly call on:
Ondo State Ministry of Environment
Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA)
Ondo State Waste Management Authority
Ondo State Ministry of Health
Ondo State Water Corporation/appropriate water authorities
Relevant Local Government Environmental Health Departments
Federal Ministry of Environment
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), where public-health surveillance becomes necessary
Relevant emergency, fire and other technical agencies
to work together in determining the source and extent of the reported odour.
The investigation should include, where necessary:
Air-quality monitoring and atmospheric sampling at multiple locations and times.
Identification and laboratory analysis of possible gaseous pollutants or volatile compounds.
Inspection of waste dumps, sewage systems, drainage channels, industrial facilities, abattoirs, markets and other potential sources.
Assessment of prevailing wind direction and meteorological conditions during reported episodes.
Investigation of possible links with water sources, wastewater, refuse decomposition or industrial emissions.
Collection and mapping of community complaints to identify geographical patterns.
Health surveillance to determine whether residents are experiencing unusual clusters of symptoms associated with the reported episodes.
PUBLIC HEALTH PRECAUTION
Residents are advised not to deliberately approach, inhale or attempt to identify an unknown substance by smell.
Where the odour is particularly strong, residents should, where safely possible, move away from the affected area and ensure adequate ventilation indoors.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, eye or throat irritation, coughing, breathing difficulty, confusion or sudden weakness after exposure should move to fresh air and seek appropriate medical attention.
Where the odour resembles gas, fuel, rotten eggs or another potentially hazardous chemical substance, residents should avoid flames, smoking, sparks and other possible ignition sources and report the incident to the appropriate emergency or environmental authorities.
This is not a call for panic.
It is a call for responsible environmental monitoring, transparent communication and preventive public health action.
The people of Akure and Ondo State deserve to know:
What is causing the odour? Where is it coming from? Is it environmental, industrial, biological, chemical or waste-related? Does it pose any health risk? And what measures are being taken to prevent recurrence?
I therefore urge the relevant authorities to commence coordinated investigation immediately and make the findings available to the public.
I also encourage residents experiencing the unusual odour to document the location, date, time, duration, character of the odour and any accompanying symptoms, and submit credible reports to the appropriate authorities rather than relying solely on unverified information circulating on social media.
Our environment is a shared responsibility.
Our health is a collective responsibility.
Let us investigate before we speculate, inform before we alarm, and act before a preventable environmental problem becomes a public health emergency.
Hon. Ayodeji Fortune Oluleye (Ògo Àkúré) Public Health Advocate | Environmental Health & Pest Management Professional Convener, Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group
…For the Glory of Àkúré Kingdom
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