The Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs. Opeyemi Afolashade, has announced the successful evacuation of eighty-eight mentally challenged persons and beggars from the streets of Ilorin.
The operation, conducted by the Ministry of Social Development, took place between November 24 and 30, focusing on areas such as Post Office/Taiwo-Isale, Tipper garage, Challenge/Unity road, and Challenge/GRA axis.
Addressing the press in Ilorin on Thursday, Commissioner Afolashade emphasized that the evacuation was part of the ministry’s responsibilities to cleanse the society from such menaces, promoting environmental hygiene and upholding societal values in the state.
“The evacuation is part of the ministry’s responsibilities and a means to further ensure that the society was cleansed from any form of menace, thereby promoting environmental hygiene and values for the state.
”The menace of persistent street begging regarded as a viable business venture among some people, despite series of dialogue, media sensitisation, and numerous social interventions of the government to the physically challenged and vulnerable in the state is worrisome,” Afolashade said.
Royaltimes gathered that the evacuated individuals have been taken to one of the ministry’s rehabilitation homes for necessary treatment, prosecution, and potential repatriation.
Mrs. Afolashade condemned the act of street begging, considering it socially appalling and against the laws of the state.
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