…Ilorin South Chairman Distributes 3 Motorcycles to Support Task Force Operations
The Kwara State Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with Ilorin South Local Government, has inaugurated a Task Force as part of sustained efforts to eradicate street begging and restore social order across Ilorin metropolis.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday 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.
This initiative reflects the strong commitment of the Kwara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to safeguarding the dignity of residents, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a safer and more orderly environment.
In her remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam (PhD), commended His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State for his unwavering support towards social protection and human development initiatives in the State.
She described the inauguration of the Task Force as a strategic step towards 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.
She 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.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, stated 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 Task Force personnel have 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.
Honourable Majeed Podo further 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.
According to him, this formed part of the rationale behind the urgent need to intensify efforts towards the eradication of street begging across the metropolis.
Shodunnke Rasheedat.
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Social Development
