Lagos Govt. Commences Removal of Beggers, Destitute from Streets

To rid the State of environmental nuisance, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has commenced the removal of beggars and destitute from the street.

In a statement on Monday, it made it clear that the government led by Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu will not fold it’s hand and watch the State become a haven for beggars.

According to the Head of Rehabilitation and Rescue Department, Mrs. Olutoyin Jaiyeola, about one hundred and twenty-eight persons including beggars, mentally challenged persons were rescued from parts of the State so far.

“In an exercise tagged “Rescue Operation” undertaken by a special team of the Rescue and Rehabilitation department of the Ministry, in collaboration with the Police, Man ‘O’ War and other volunteers, major streets and 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.

Recall that a few weeks ago, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu 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.

His words: “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.”