The Lagos State government has announced the rescue of 753 individuals, including mentally-challenged persons, destitute, and beggars, from the streets. This was revealed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, on Wednesday during a press briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first year in office in his second term.

Commissioner Ogunlende reported that 157 beggars, 295 destitute individuals, and 301 mentally-challenged persons were removed from the streets. He noted that 53 beggars were apprehended during a joint operation with the Lagos State Task Force, with 10 of them taken to the Rehabilitation Training Centre in Majidun.

These interventions were conducted by the ministry’s Rescue Unit, responsible for rescuing destitute individuals, mentally-challenged persons, beggars, and street children, and placing them into rehabilitation facilities and homes. The commissioner highlighted that stakeholders’ meetings with the Arewa Community and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies were held in November 2023 and February 2024 to develop strategies to eradicate street begging.

“In October 2023, the ministry relaunched the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse campaign, conducting sensitization and advocacy efforts in the Eyita Community in Ikorodu to educate residents on the dangers of drug and substance abuse,” Ogunlende added.

Regarding youth empowerment, the commissioner mentioned that the ministry organized a Business Amplifier Clinic and Entrepreneurial Classes. Over three days, 100 young entrepreneurs participated in the program, which included a Business Pitch Contest. The top five entrepreneurs were awarded cash grants ranging from N500,000 to N2,000,000 and were paired with industry mentors to support their business growth.

In March, the state government issued an order for traders and beggars along rail tracks in the Agege corridor to vacate the area before strict enforcement and demolition would commence.