The Lagos State Deputy Governor and Lagos APC Governorship Candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat has said we need to properly distinguish and categorize those who require social support, those facing drugs issues, those who ran away from home to seek a safe space in Lagos and those who just want to commit crimes.

Dr Hamzat proposed the creation of a dedicated child welfare agency that will be independent from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development. The agency’s mandate would include identifying children who need protection, separating different case types, and coordinating rehabilitation services.

He also recommended the creation and
expansion of shelters specifically for children under 18, he stated clearly that the State already has shelters that are fully being used to cater for domestic violence victims, disaster victims and others.

Dr Hamzat said children who need help should be rehoused, receive cleaning up/rehabilitation, and be returned to school or enrolled in skills training especially for kids under 18, for the ones with drug or mental health issues, targeted treatment programs would be provided for them.

Finally, he said there will be series of engagement with the general public on the need that the society as a whole must collaborate with the Government to address root causes of these issues.

ASA