Sanwo-Olu-led govt promises to end street begging in Lagos

The Lagos state government under the leadership of Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed plans to end street begging in Lagos state.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, made this known during the launch of the Special Rescue Operations in collaboration with the Lagos State Task Force.

The event was held on Thursday, November 16. According to Ogunlende, “ the act of begging or using babies to solicit alms is not part of our religion or culture. It doesn’t support the socio-economic growth of any state.

“It is counterproductive because some of the so-called beggars have been discovered to be involved in criminality.”

“Before embarking on resuscitating the “Special Rescue Operations” primarily aimed at enforcing the relevant sections of the State Government Laws as well as the Child Rights Law banning begging, the Ministry had carried out massive advocacy and sensitisation to help Lagosians, especially the public-spirited ones, know what to do concerning helping the less privileged in the state.

“Street begging has been banned in Kano, Kaduna and other states in Nigeria.

“So why not Lagos State? We advise those who want to help the less privileged among us to take their gift items be it cash or materials to our Homes or Centres designated to help the needy.”

The Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, who spoke on the "Special Rescue Operations”, said the move to embark on the exercise was as a result of several reports from residents to the ministry who complained of being incessantly harassed by street beggars.

“Series of reports reaching the Ministry from Lagosians bordering on being harassed by beggars on the street prompted us to embark on this exercise to sanitize the State.

“Every Lagosian irrespective of religion or tribe deserves a safe environment to live, work or do business without molestation. This we will achieve by showing zero tolerance for street begging,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

She also warned those who are fond of using babies to solicit for funds to desist from such act else they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Chairman of Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Shola Jejeloye, who led the enforcement of the special rescue operations said, “The task of ridding Lagos State of street begging is non-negotiable. It is going to be a continuous exercise.

“We have decided to do it in broad daylight for Lagosians to get the message that there is no room for street begging in the state.

“It is part of our statutory responsibilities to support the enforcement of any law enacted by the State House of Assembly for the good of everyone.

“We are ready to collaborate with every Ministry, Department or Agency in this regard.

“During the Rescue Operations which took place in the Lekki axis of the State over 50 beggars were taken off the streets.”