The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has reinstated the state government’s resolve to rid the state of street beggars and destitute.
Akinbile-Yussuf made the declaration while responding to the monthly report on destitute and beggars in the state. She said when the current data was compared with the previous ones, it became obvious that the state has made tremendous progress.
“Consider where we were and where we are as the statistics have shown, it is evident that we are making progress. With this we are confident that in no time, as we continue our relentless efforts, the menace of street begging and destitute will be completely eradicated from our state,” she said.
The commissioner appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the state government by giving alms to the less privileged in the society through registered charity homes and other social responsible organisations to curtail and totally eradicate the street begging menace.
An analysis of the monthly report showed there were 30 adult destitute, 36 mentally-challenged persons, 20 adult beggars, 28 child beggars and 10 child destitute.
She said some were prosecuted and convicted for various offences committed as provided by section 168(1)(b) of the criminal law of Lagos State 2011 (as amended), adding that government would continue its rescue operations on perpetrators of the social menace, noting that beyond prosecution, the government has provided rehabilitation and training centres where those rescued would be engaged in mental re-orientation and vocational exercise.
