By Folayimika Akanbi
The Kwara State government has renewed its strategy to rid Ilorin metropolis of the menace of street begging with the inauguration of a Task Force.
The latest effort of the state government is in conjunction with the authorities of the Ilorin South Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima Imam, inaugurated the team in Ilorin in the presence of the Chairman, Ilorin South local government area, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo.
In this intervention, major areas within Ilorin South considered as vulnerable to street begging included Tanke, Offa Garage, Post Office, and Challenge.
In her remarks, the state Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima Imam, said the measure reflects the strong commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration to safeguarding the dignity of residents, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a safer and more orderly environment.
She described the inauguration of the Task Force as a strategic step toward addressing the menace of street begging and its associated social and security challenges.
The commissioner noted that street begging exposes vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, to various forms of abuse, exploitation, and deprivation.
Imam emphasized that the state government remains committed to adopting a humane and sustainable approach through the profiling, rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of affected individuals into society.
She also called on members of the public to support government efforts by discouraging indiscriminate almsgiving and embracing structured support systems for vulnerable persons.
The commissioner commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support toward social protection and human development initiatives in the state.
The chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Nuhu Podo, on his part, disclosed that the exercise marks the official launch of a coordinated effort to rid major areas of Ilorin metropolis of street begging, particularly in locations such as Tanke, Offa Garage, Post Office, and Challenge.
He added that members of the team had been strategically deployed across these areas and equipped with branded jackets for easy identification, as well as three motorcycles to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
Podo emphasized that the Task Force is not a temporary intervention but a sustained initiative, assuring that it will remain operational until street begging is completely eradicated in the state.
Also speaking, the Supervisor of the Ilorin South Local Government Task Force, Mr Jimoh Abdulkareem, described the disturbing situation previously observed at key entry points into Ilorin, particularly around Geri Alimi and Offa Garage, where large numbers of beggars often lined up along the roads.
He noted that the development not only posed social and environmental concerns but also created a negative impression of the state to visitors and residents alike.
Abdulkareem said this formed part of the rationale behind the urgent need to intensify efforts toward the eradication of street begging across the metropolis.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the premises of the Ministry of Social Development, marks a significant step in the state government’s drive to ensure a safer and more orderly environment.
