By Moses Adeniyi
Enforcement Operation to clear off beggars from Lagos metropolis will commence next week by the Lagos State Government, Nigerian NewsDirect has gathered.
The disclosure over the intended operation was sourced on Tuesday from the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, at the ongoing Ministerial Briefing at the State Capital, Ikeja, to commemorate the second year of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Administration.
It has been observed that there has been an upsurge in the presence of beggars across Lagos metropolis in recent times, a development which the State Government has considered unfriendly to the vision of a Smart City.
However, the Commissioner while briefing journalists disclosed that a total number of 223 children were rescued in the state in the last two years.
This figure represents 170 boys and 53 girls that were rescued in the state through the State’s Rescue operation to address the issues of begging and destitution in the State.
According to him, the rescued children have further been restored to their families after undergoing vocational trainings.
A report he presented also revealed further that a total number of 3,041 beggars/destitute/mentally challenged persons and street children were rescued off the streets of the metropolis.
His report stated, “A total number of 1,408 rehabilitatees were released to their family for re-integration. During special operation, a total of 223 street children rescued, 170 boys and 53 girls.
“The ministry carried out its restoration services through psychological, cognitive emotional social and vocational skills and also the medical team from the ministry of health provided medication therapy management.
“The Lagos State Government has restated its committment to addressing issues of neglect of Child and ensuring proper as well as adequate maintenance in investigating cases of those who have been abused to ensure victims get justice.”
Dawodu further mentioned that the correctional and elderly care services of the Ministry are aimed at preventing relapse, rehabilitating and integrating offenders for behavioural modifications.
The Commissioner said the mandate of the Ministry is to create an enabling environment that promotes Youth and Social Development services that give succour to the Vulnerable driven by highly committed and motivated personnel.