Lagos State govt reiterates ban on street begging

Assembly invites transport sector officials over motorists’ recklessness

Lagos State government has restated that the ban placed on street begging or using of babies to solicit alms on the streets in any part of the state is still very much in force.

Commissioner for Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, restated this, yesterday, during an interactive session. Ogunlende said that after concerted efforts by the state government to sanitise most parts of Lagos State of this ignominious practice, it was unfortunate that beggars were back on the streets again.

According to him, street begging would not be allowed in any part of the state, as it will not only tarnish the image of the smart city being built by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in line with the THEMES+Agenda, but the practice has the capacity of scaring would-be investors due to the security threat it poses.

In the same vein, Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said the ministry would not rest on its oars with regard to protecting the rights of children in the state.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, raised concern over the recklessness of motorists operating in the state and the activities of some officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The House, at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, summoned Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa and General Manager, LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, to appear and give explanations concerning the incessant recklessness of drivers and the roles played by agents of the ministry.

Obasa said there would be need to revisit the laws guiding transportation in the state. He also said that the Assembly might dust up the law regulating transportation to address alleged multiple taxations by various unions in the sector.