The attention of the management of the Osun State Waste Management Agency (OWMA) has been drawn to a misleading and unsubstantiated report published by Osun Defender, claiming that former workers of the Egbedi dumpsite, disengaged by our consultant, Bolarin General Merchant Enterprises, have resorted to armed robbery.
We categorically state that this report is false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
Setting the Record Straight:
1. No Mass Disengagement Took Place
Contrary to the claim that about thirty workers were laid off, no such mass disengagement occurred. The only individual disengaged from the dumpsite was a man involved in criminal activities, including a theft incident at the Steel Rolling Mills along Ikirun Road.
2. Security and Safety Concerns Prompted Operational Reforms
Upon taking over the management of the Egbedi dumpsite, the new consultant, Bolarin General Merchant Enterprises, met a site plagued by cult-related activities, poor discipline, and rising theft cases. It was common for visitors to be robbed of their valuables within minutes of arriving at the site. Immediate restructuring was essential to sanitize the environment, ensure public safety, and restore order.
3. No Link Between Dumpsite Workers and Robbery at Dangote Mills
The robbery incident at Dangote Integrated Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, as cited by Osun Defender, bears no connection to any OWMA staff or anyone disengaged from the dumpsite. The story attempts to create a false narrative with no factual basis.
No guns, cult items, or ammunition were ever recovered from anyone affiliated with the dumpsite under our supervision.
4. Operational Successes Recorded Under the New Consultant
Since the restructuring, the dumpsite has become safer, more organized, and more economically viable. The consultant has focused on accountability, proper monitoring, and ensuring that the site contributes meaningfully to the state’s environmental goals and economy.
We strongly implore the public to disregard the unfounded allegations published by Osun Defender. This report appears to be politically motivated and devoid of responsible journalism ethics.
The Osun State Waste Management Agency remains committed to public safety, environmental sustainability, and transparent operations. We urge media outlets to verify their facts before publication and avoid causing panic or misrepresentation of government efforts.
Speaking through this medium, the consultant, Mr. Olalekan Abolarin, who is also the CEO of Bolarin General Merchant Enterprises expressed deep disappointment over a recent publication by Osun Defender, which he described as false, misleading, and unethical.
“It was extremely disheartening to read such a baseless report from a media outlet that did not even attempt to reach out for my side of the story,” Mr. Abolarin stated. “As a professional, I respect the role of the press in holding people accountable, but I find it disturbing when journalists fail to adhere to the principles of balanced reporting and objectivity.”
He further clarified that contrary to the allegations published, his company has maintained a track record of professionalism and integrity in all its operations.
“Let me set the record straight,” he emphasized. “The only individual who was disengaged from our company was someone caught in the act of stealing, a fact that is well documented and supported by internal investigations. It is unfortunate that such an incident is now being twisted into a different narrative for reasons best known to the writer.”
Mr. Abolarin urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of their profession by ensuring fairness, accuracy, and accountability in their reporting. He also encouraged the public to seek the truth before forming opinions based on sensational headlines.
“We remain committed to transparency and excellence at Bolarin Merchant, and we will not be distracted by attempts to tarnish our reputation through unverified claims,” he concluded.
