The government of Osun State has issued a warning to tourists, devotees and visitors to avoid drinking water from the Osun River due to contamination.
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| Worshippers at the Osun River during the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun, Southwestern Nigeria. Photo: Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto via Getty Images |
This is coming from the government as the grand finale of the annual Osun Festival takes place today.
Dr Rafiu Isamotu, Commissioner of Health of the State, issued the warning in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, the State capital.
According to dailypost.ng:
Recall that in December, a civic group, Urban Alert, raised the alarm that the Osun river has been heavily contaminated with mercury, lead, cyanide and other injurious elements that are poisonous to human health.
Laboratory Tests and Geographical Information Analysis established the presence of heavy elements in the river and blamed it on the activities of miners.
Confirming the presence of deadly elements in the Osun River, on Thursday, the State government said it has embarked on the sensitisation to discourage people from drinking the water during the festival as it had been contaminated by the activities of artisanal miners and dangerous for human consumption.
While speaking with Journalists, Isamotu said: “There are radio jingles on the health hazard of drinking water from the Osun River due to contamination.”
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| Devotees and visitors at the Osun River during the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun, Southwestern Nigeria. Photo: STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP via Getty Images |
The Commissioner admitted that the govt cannot put an end to activities of the annual Osun Festival because it is a cultural affair, however, he guaranteed that the govt will not stop in sensitizing the devotees.
He further said: “There may not be a quick fix to this pollution, but as a government, we will continue to do the needful.
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| General view of Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria during the annual Osun Festival in Osogbo. Photo: STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP via Getty Images |
“Government has taken cognizance of this pollution and is working really hard to prevent the activities of artisanal miners. It is a menace; it is very difficult, but we cannot fold our arms.’’
