The Ogun State Government has recently intervened to thwart what it claims was an attempt by the Dangote Cement factory to demolish Elefon Primary School, situated in the Ewekoro Local Government Area of the State. This revelation came to light through the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, who confirmed the government's intervention in an interview with PUNCH Metro on a Tuesday.
The concern arose when Yusuf Amosun, the lawmaker representing Ewekoro State Constituency, raised the issue during a plenary session. Amosun asserted that the cement factory had allegedly demolished the primary school, asserting that it had discovered mineral resources within the school's premises. Amosun further informed the assembly, under personal explanation, that the demolition took place without prior notice to the appropriate government agencies.
Responding to these allegations, the Speaker of the House, Olakunle Oluomo, condemned what he referred to as the "alleged demolition" of the primary school. He expressed dismay that such an action occurred under the guise of discovering mineral resources within the school's compound.
In a subsequent telephone conversation with a correspondent on the same Tuesday, Commissioner Arigbabu acknowledged that the cement factory had indeed obstructed the school premises a few weeks prior. However, he clarified that the government had promptly intervened in the matter. Governor Dapo Abiodun reportedly issued orders to halt any activities by Dangote Cement within the school.
When asked about the alleged demolition of the Elefon Primary School, Commissioner Arigbabu stated, "I am not aware that it has been demolished, but we have taken some steps. If you go there, you will see the extent of what they have done, though we have reacted to stop them."
He went on to explain, "The governor actually gave approval to stop whatever was going on in that place. So, I wouldn’t know if they have done anything after that. We stopped them; it’s about two or three weeks ago."
Arigbabu also expressed the government's lack of awareness regarding any approval granted for the actions taken by Dangote Cement. He emphasized that the school belongs to the government, and they intervened upon hearing about the situation.
Contrary to these claims, Dangote Cement, through its Special Duty and External Affairs Officer, Prince Yomi Gbadebo, vehemently denied the allegations of demolishing the primary school. Gbadebo clarified that the school would still be affected as it falls within the company's mining license.
"We have a mining license issued to Dangote Industries by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. That school falls within our mining license, and we are about to build our Itori Cement PLC," stated Gbadebo.
He further explained that compensations had been paid to all landowners, including the school, falling within their mining license. Gbadebo insisted that no demolition had occurred, and the company had only commenced soil investigation on the site.
As the conflicting narratives persist, Gbadebo acknowledged the proximity of the school to the Chinese Colony, outlining plans for a community development agreement to be signed by all affected communities. This agreement would address the relocation of the school as the company's activities progress.
He assured, "As we speak, our activities have not affected that school. We have not demolished anything."
However, Gbadebo did acknowledge the possibility of the school being affected in the next six months, and plans were underway to liaise with the Ministry of Education for the school's relocation and reconstruction in a more suitable location. He disclosed that the state's Ministry of Physical Planning was aware of their activities on the land.
The conflicting accounts of the events surrounding Elefon Primary School underscore the complexity of balancing industrial development with the preservation of essential public infrastructure, such as schools. The situation remains in flux, with the government asserting its intervention and the cement company vehemently denying any demolition while outlining plans for future actions in compliance with their mining license.
