The Ogun State Government on Monday in Abeokuta began the issuance of operational permit and reflective jackets to scrap dealers in the state,
The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sam Oyeleye, made the disclosure during the launching of the permit with the Association of Scrap Dealers in Agbara.
Oyeleye said the effort was for proper identification and legal operations in order to facilitate easy tracking of miscreants who buy and sell stolen goods.
“The initiative was kicked off at the Agbara area, because it houses most of the junkyard operators and factories,” he said.
Represented by the Director, Environmental Control and Resource Management, Mrs. Mary Durojaiye, Oyeleye disclosed that the exercise would be replicated across the state.
In his keynote address, the Alagbara of Agbara, Lukmon Agunbiade, noted that Agbara being the industrial hub of the state and Nigeria needs peaceful coexistence among all tribes in the community.
He commended the chairman of the Association of Scrap Dealers for his efforts at sustaining peace, while flourishing in their businesses.
Also speaking, the Area Commander of Police, ACP Baba Mallam, urged members of the association to continue to be law-abiding, so as not to be found wanting.
He advised them to properly scrutinise goods before buying, informing them that the operational time is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays.
Earlier, the Sarkin Hausawa and Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association in Agbara, Dr. Adamu Musa, appreciated the state government, the Oba in Council and security agents.
He said this was for their support at making the initiative a milestone.
“This will bring about sanity and easy recognition among legitimate scrap dealers and thieves.”
In an interview, two members of the Association, Yakub Yaya and Sule Kubua, commended the initiative, and said it would help bring about sanity in the business.