Issuance of permits and customised reflective jackets to scrap dealers in Ogun State is for proper identification and legal operations, in order to facilitate easy track of miscreants who buy and sell stolen goods.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sam Oyeleye, stated this at the launching of the permit with Association of Scrap Dealers, at Agbara Industrial area of the state, saying the initiative kicked-off at Agbara, as most of the junkyard operators and factories were situated in the area.

 Represented by the Director, Environmental Control and Resource Management, Mrs. Mary Durojaiye, Dr. Oyeleye, highlighted the process of obtaining the permit, disclosing that the exercise would be replicated across the state.

     In his keynote address, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba (Barrister) Lukmon Agunbiade, noted that Agbara, being the industrial hub of the state and Nigeria, needs peaceful coexistence among all tribes living in the community, commending the Chairman of the Association of Scrap Dealers for his efforts at sustaining peace, while flourishing in their businesses.

Also speaking, Police Area Commander, ACP Baba Mallam, who urged members of the Association to continue to be law abiding, so as not to be found wanting, advised them to properly scrutinise goods before buying, informing them that the operational time commences from 8:00am to 6:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

Earlier, the Sarkin Hausawa and Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association, Agbara, Dr. Adamu Musa, appreciated the state government, Oba in Council and security agents for their support at making the initiative a milestone, to engender sanity and easy recognition between legitimate scrap dealers and thieves.

In an interview, two members of the Association, Yakub Yaya and Sule Kubua, lauded the initiative, stating that it would help sanitise the business.