By Ukoko Ogheneyoleme
The Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability has paid a condolence visit to Rongtai New Materials Company Limited, a Chinese-owned manufacturing company located in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, following an industrial accident that claimed the life of a worker.
Leading the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, who represented the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, Esq., described the incident as a tragic loss and emphasized the need for stricter adherence to workplace safety standards.
Mrs. Ebomoyi recalled that the ministry had conducted a sensitization programme for the company barely two weeks earlier, focusing on environmental compliance, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and occupational health and safety measures. She noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, through its SHINE Agenda, remains committed to promoting a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment across Edo State.
She urged the company to fully implement all recommended safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, had earlier visited the company and directed that the circumstances surrounding the accident be thoroughly reviewed.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Rongtai’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Wang, said the accident occurred when a forklift operator allegedly lost control of the machine after skidding on a wet surface, causing it to plunge into a three-foot drainage channel. He further alleged that attempts to transport the injured worker for medical treatment were disrupted, resulting in the victim’s death and the subsequent vandalism of company property.
Also speaking during the visit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Sustainability, Hon. Johnson Adamu, recommended the provision of a shared ambulance service for companies operating within the industrial park to improve emergency response.
In his remarks, the Director of Environmental Assessment, Kenneth Iroguosa Woghiren, stressed the importance of complying with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, obtaining relevant environmental certifications, and installing adequate safety signage across industrial facilities.
Responding, the management of Rongtai New Materials Company Limited assured the government delegation of its commitment to meeting all environmental and workplace safety requirements.
