The Kwara State Government, in its determined effort to eradicate societal menaces and vices, strongly condemns the act of begging and the roaming of individuals with mental challenges on the streets, deeming it socially appalling.
Expressing this stance, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, highlighted the issue during a recent general evacuation exercise conducted by the Ministry within the State capital.
Hon. Afolashade expressed concern over the persistent street begging, which some view as a viable business venture, despite ongoing dialogues, media sensitization, and various social interventions by the government aimed at assisting the physically challenged and vulnerable in the state.
“The evacuation exercise is part of the Ministry’s responsibilities, ensuring that society is cleansed from any form of menace, thereby promoting environmental hygiene and values for the state,” emphasized the Commissioner.
She further clarified that Kwara State would not tolerate street begging, considering it against the state’s laws, depicting laziness, and posing serious dangers to society due to the roaming of mentally challenged individuals.
During the exercise, Hon. Afolashade emphasized its continuous nature, warning all those involved to desist or face the consequences of the law.
Despite resistance and physical assaults on the Ministry’s officers during the exercise, Officers of the Civil Defense were present to restore normalcy.
The Commissioner appreciated the proactiveness and expertise demonstrated by the officers, seeking the Corps’ continued support in subsequent assignments.
The evacuation team covered areas such as Post Office/Taiwo-Isale, Tipper garage, Challenge/Unity road, and Challenge/GRA axis of the State capital. A total of 88 mentally challenged persons and beggars were evacuated and taken to one of the Ministry’s Rehabilitation homes for treatment, prosecution, and possible repatriation.