The Kwara State Government has intensified its efforts towards the total eradication of street begging with the placement of regulatory signages restricting such activities in strategic areas across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam (PhD), made this known on Monday during the inauguration of the Ilorin West Local Government Task Force on Street Begging, held at the premises of the Ministry of Social Development, Ilorin.
Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam noted that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the State Government to sanitize the environment, restore public order, and project a positive image of Kwara State.
“Street begging is not only a social concern but also affects the image and safety of our environment. This administration is committed to restoring dignity to our public spaces and ensuring that vulnerable individuals are properly rehabilitated through structured social support systems,” she stated.
She emphasized that the Ministry will continue to sustain enforcement, intensify public sensitization, and strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, Hon. Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for providing an enabling environment for effective governance at the grassroots level.
He stated that the Task Force has been strategically positioned to address the menace of street begging, particularly at key entry points such as Geri Alimi Roundabout, which serves as a major gateway into Ilorin.
“For many visitors, Geri Alimi is the first point of contact with the state. It is therefore important that we present a clean and orderly environment. We are here today to sanitize the area and remove street beggars from our roads,” he said.
The Chairman further disclosed that the Task Force has been equipped with operational logistics, including three motorcycles, with an additional promise of a bus to enhance monitoring and enforcement activities.
He added that the initiative is a continuous exercise aimed at achieving the complete eradication of street begging across Ilorin West and the state at large.
Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Social Development
