Lagos reiterates ban on street begging

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its ban on street begging, particularly the use of babies and children to solicit alms on the streets of Lagos.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, made the announcement at an interactive session with stakeholders on Wednesday in Alausa.

Ogunlende noted that after concerted efforts by the state government to curb street begging, the practise has unfortunately resurfaced in some parts of Lagos.

He added that street begging will not be tolerated in any part of the state, as it tarnishes the image of Lagos as a smart city and poses a security threat to potential investors.

“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,” Ogundele said.

“This is the main reason we organised the Rescue Operations for months during which the State was virtually rid of this menace.”

The commissioner also warned those who indulge in this unwholesome act to find a meaningful source of livelihood because begging does not contribute to the socioeconomic growth of any state or country.

“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 to enforce this order,” he added.

in the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said the Ministry would not rest on its oars concerning protecting the rights of children in the state.

She said that the act of using children to solicit alms is not only improper and child abuse but tantamount to a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of our children as enshrined in Lagos State Child Rights Law 2015, which the present administration is poised to ensure its full implementation.