By Gloria Agbongiasede
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues has charged the Committee set up to address the challenges of Street Begging in the State to strategize on combatting the social ill.
The Commissioner for the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omoh Ekwu, guided that the primary aim of the session was to formulate effective and lasting solutions to the problem of street begging in the State, decrying it as a problem that has given rise to human trafficking, drug trade, prostitution, and other social ills.
According to Hon. Ekwu, “Our objective here is to generate ideas on how to address the challenges posed by street children and professional beggars in the State. The discussions today will provide us with a roadmap towards putting an end to this issue permanently. We need to assess what we can do differently and correct any past mistakes.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Barbara Osobajo, emphasized the multifaceted nature of the problem and the need for tailored approaches. She noted, “We must take the right steps. While every Nigerian has the right to reside in any part of the Country, when one becomes a nuisance, we reserve the right to take action. We haven’t said people can’t come to Edo State, but when they bring in minors to beg, engage in prostitution, or peddle drugs, there are laws that empower us to address this.”
The meeting had representatives from various organizations including the Ministry of Justice; Child Protection Network (CPN); Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps; Islam Mission of Nigeria; Holy Cross Catholic Church; Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and the Arewa Community in Benin City; as part of the Committee established to tackle the issue.
The Committee suggested that action should begin with public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the new measures aimed at eradicating begging from the streets of Edo State. They also recommended the prosecution of persons who facilitate these social vices. Furthermore, they proposed collaboration between the Edo State Government and other state governments where these beggars are like to have migrated from, in order to be able to sustain the efforts of Government in permanently addressing the challenge.
Hon. Ekwu assured the Committee that its recommendations would be considered and that she would inform the Governor about the necessity of corresponding with the relevant states involved in order to adequately collaborate in the process, adding that her Ministry will utilize various communication channels to raise public awareness on the issues.