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Ogun State Defends Styrofoam Use As Neighbouring States Enforce Plastic Ban

Phinadon Mag

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Ogun State resists styrofoam ban despite Lagos, Oyo, and Abia outlawing single-use plastics over health and environmental concerns.

As Lagos, Oyo, and Abia States intensify their ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics, Ogun State remains undecided, positioning itself between environmental reform and economic convenience.

While Lagos began full enforcement of its ban in July 2025, sealing warehouses and shops, and Oyo introduced the Single-Use Plastic Prohibition Bill 2026, Ogun has opted for recycling initiatives instead of prohibition.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said during the 2024 World Environment Day that the state’s focus is on Plastic for Cash and Blue Box programs to promote waste-to-wealth recycling rather than outright bans.

Health And Environmental Concerns

Experts warn that styrofoam, made from styrene and benzene, poses serious health risks and long-term environmental damage.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify styrene as a probable human carcinogen, linked to leukemia and genetic damage.

Prof. Dosu Malomo, a polymer chemist at FUOYE, described styrofoam as a “silent killer” when exposed to heat.

Malomo added that styrofoam clogs waterways, disrupts aquatic life, and takes decades to decompose, urging a national ban to close legal loopholes exploited by manufacturers.

Ogun’s Position: ‘Styrofoam Is Stable’

Despite mounting pressure, Ogun State insists it has no immediate plans to ban styrofoam.

Commissioner Oresanya argued that the material is stable and safe under normal conditions, saying the health risks are overstated.

He maintained that Ogun’s priority is improving waste management, not restricting plastic use.

Ogun As A ‘Dumping Ground’

Observers fear that Ogun’s leniency has turned it into a dumping ground for banned products from neighboring states.

A field observation in Abeokuta revealed juice pouches labeled “NOT FOR LAGOS”, indicating they were produced in Lagos but restricted for sale there due to the ban.

Critics argue that without a unified national policy, states like Ogun will continue to absorb banned plastics, undermining regional environmental progress.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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