The Lagos State Government has reiterated its ban on street begging or using babies to solicit alms on the street in any part of the State.
This was restated by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende on Wednesday at Alausa during an interactive session with stakeholders.
Ogunlende said it was unfortunate that beggars have returned to the streets following the State Government’s effort to sanitise the streets of Lagos of this ignominious practice.
He therefore affirmed that street begging would not be allowed in any part of the State because it would tarnish the image of the smart city Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is building.
He said it would also scare off would-be investors due to the security threat it poses.
“We wish to state categorically that street begging or the act of using babies to solicit alms, which has resurfaced in many parts of Lagos will not be condoned. Those who indulge in this unwholesome act had better look for a meaningful source of livelihood because begging does not contribute to the socioeconomic growth of any state or country. This is the main reason we organised the Rescue Operations for months, during which the State was virtually rid of this menace”.
“The perpetrators of this ignominious business, particularly the syndicate in the act of recruiting children into begging, are hereby warned to desist forthwith or be ready to face the full wrath of the law when caught by the Surveillance Team deployed to the nooks and crannies of Lagos State. The Surveillance Team deployed to the nooks and crannies of Lagos State to enforce this order”, the Commissioner added.
Alleluia is the Assistant Editor and Content Writer at LagosPost.ng. She is a prolific writer and editor, she has written features and news stories on Lifestyle, Sports, Business, Politics and B2B marketing. She is also an event coordinator, host and social media content creator.
