Publisher: Diamond FM / Babatunde Okunlola
Title: Saving the Osun River (Documentary)
Author: Babatunde Okunlola
Date of Publication: 9-28-2022
Citation style language: English
Pollution Type: Arsenic (primary contaminant), Cyanide, Nitrates, Textile dyes, Agricultural runoff (DDT, cassava effluent)
Impact Dimension: Environmental degradation, Public health (cancer, neurological damage, skin disorders), Cultural/religious practices, Mental health concerns, Livelihoods
Actor Type: Illegal miners, Government authorities (Osun State), Local communities, Researchers, Farmers, Textile producers (Adire industry)
Response Type: Government investigations and cleanup plans (₦300 million allocation), Scientific research, Community advocacy, Regulatory enforcement (NESREA), Drone surveillance
Evidence Type: Scientific water testing (University of Ibadan), Expert interviews (researchers, officials), Field investigation, Historical data comparison
Policy Mention: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, NESREA enforcement of National Environmental (Mining) Regulations 2009
Key Finding:
· Arsenic contamination at Osun Grove (0.008mg/l) exceeds WHO limit (0.001mg/l) by 8x.
· No detectable lead in rainy-season samples (disputed correlation with mining).
· Primary pollution sources: agricultural chemicals (DDT), cassava processing, textile dye discharge, and dumpsite runoff—not solely mining.
Health Risk Projection: Cancer, skin thickening/discoloration, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, mental health issues (linked to arsenic), kidney damage
· Link: https://soundcloud.com/babatundeokunlola/saving-the-osun-river