Lagos State Ministry Takes Decisive Action With Special Task Force To Eradicate Street Begging

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a bid to intensify efforts against street begging, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has launched a dedicated Special Task Force.

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This initiative brings together representatives from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Youth, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Lagos State Task Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.

The inauguration ceremony, held today in Alausa, saw Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, appointed as the Chairman of the Special Task Force.

In his address, Commissioner Ogunlende highlighted the necessity of forming this Task Force due to the inadequate results from previous measures, including stakeholder meetings with Arewa Community Chiefs and awareness programs.

Commissioner Ogunlende reiterated the commitment of the present administration to enhance the social safety net while addressing the persistent issue of street begging in the state.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, stressed the importance of taking decisive measures to combat street begging effectively.

Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, urged the Task Force to implement immediate, medium, and long-term measures to address the menace of street begging.

Resolutions from the inaugural meeting included plans for extensive sensitization and advocacy, issuing a seven-day ultimatum, conducting rescue operations, relocating apprehended beggars to either Agbowa or Igando Internally Displaced Person Camps, and the exploration of legislative action by the State House of Assembly to strengthen penalties for street begging.

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This concerted effort demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s determination to curb the persistent challenge of street begging, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for its residents.

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