The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has commenced the total clear out of street beggars and destitute persons
The exercise is a joint operation of the Rescue and Rehabilitation department of the Ministry, in collaboration with the Police, Man ‘O’ War, and other volunteers.
Major streets markets in Mushin, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lekki, and Sabo areas of Lagos were visited to rescue beggars as well as destitute and vulnerable people from the streets, under bridges, uncompleted buildings, and other places unfit for human habitation.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu, had a few weeks ago addressed a press conference at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, informing the public of the plan, purpose, and modus operandi of the special team set up to rescue beggars, destitute and vulnerable persons.
He said, “As a responsible and responsive government, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led-administration will not fold its arms and watch the state become a haven for beggars.”
“Street begging is a social vice that we cannot afford to watch attain uncontrollable level before we act; otherwise, all the good plans and programs to transform our dear state would be adversely affected, which is same with street hawking.”
Speaking after the exercise, the Head of Rehabilitation and Rescue Department, Mrs. Olutoyin Jaiyeola disclosed that about 128 persons, including male and female as well as mentally challenged persons, destitute, and beggars were rescued by the team from different areas of the state.
