The Ondo State Government says it is making progress in efforts to identify the source of the offensive odour affecting parts of the state, assuring residents that it will deploy all necessary resources to resolve the situation.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Tob Loko, disclosed this in a statement, saying the government had adopted a scientific and evidence-based approach rather than relying on speculation or unverified claims.
According to him, the government has conducted systematic environmental sampling, laboratory testing and analytical assessments as part of efforts to trace the source of the odour.
The commissioner said preliminary findings had ruled out earlier speculation that the odour originated from effluent discharge into the Ala River.
He added that laboratory analysis had detected organic compounds associated with the pollutant, but stressed that their presence alone was insufficient to establish the specific chemical substance or combination of substances responsible for the odour.
Loko said the government was therefore proceeding with more advanced analytical techniques to identify and characterise the compounds and establish their chemical profile or “fingerprint”.
He explained that the ultimate objective was to achieve reliable source apportionment and determine, with a high degree of scientific confidence, the origin of the pollutant and the substances responsible for the offensive odour.
The commissioner acknowledged the distress caused to residents, particularly those who had been forced to remain awake at night or temporarily leave their homes whenever the odour became intense.
He assured residents that the government remained committed to bringing the situation to an end and protecting public health and environmental safety.
While investigations continue, the government advised residents to use appropriate nose masks as a precautionary measure, particularly when the odour becomes pronounced.
Loko said the state would continue to deploy the necessary scientific, technical and regulatory resources until the source of the pollutant was conclusively established and appropriate measures taken.
