NGO, Lagos government partner to keep street kids off crime

Ijongo Life Changing Foundation, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation, is partnering with the Lagos State government to empower street kids spread across the state.

This was announced at a press conference yesterday in Mosafejo Police Station, Oshodi.

The foundation aims at fighting crime, rehabilitating crime suspects, impacting positively on the youths and uniting the once-displaced but now repentant youths to their families.

President of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Ijongo, advised the street kids to shun criminality and embrace peace and unity in order to be beneficial to the society.

“I was once like you. There was no criminal act I didn’t commit. I enjoyed crime like humans enjoy food. But one day, I decided to stop all the evil activities. I thank God that decision has paid off and I am now a better man.”

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer, Makinde, Inspector Ibrahim Mukhtar, stressed the need for peace in the society. “No matter what you do, once there is no peace, it affects everything. Crime does not pay.

The end of every criminal activity is regret, sorrow, shame and even death. Do not wait until the long arm of the law catches up with you before you have a change of heart. Take the decision now and say no to crime.”

Waheed Ibrahim, one of the participants, narrated his reason for involving in crime. “I am from Oyo State where I live with my poor parents before they both died.

As a result of lack of help, I decided to come to Lagos to seek for greener pastures. Unfortunately, Lagos was tougher for me to survive; I had to engage in crime.

“It does not give me joy to see myself gradually become a hardened criminal. I will put an end to it if this foundation can empower me with a skill and equip me with the necessary materials,” he said.

Highpoint of the event was the public surrender of packs of Indian hemps by some of the participants who have decided to turn a new leaf. The grand finale of the programme will be held on May 22, at the Ikeja Police College, Lagos.