In a renewed effort to rid Kwara State of street begging, hawking, child labour, and other social vices, the state governmentbunder the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has initiated steps to partner with the State Judiciary to implement legal measures aimed at curbing such practices.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, during an official visit to the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, at the High Court of Justice in Ilorin.
Hon. Mariam Imam explained that while the Ministry of Social Development has continued to put measures in place to address the issues, efforts have yielded minimal results due to the recurring nature of the offences. She emphasized the need to employ legal instruments to prosecute and penalize offenders as a deterrent to others.
“The Ministry is committed to the upliftment of the less privileged and the eradication of social vices. We believe that legal intervention will go a long way in curbing the menace of street begging and hawking, especially when offenders are swiftly prosecuted and fined,” she said.
She also reiterated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s unwavering support for policies that ensure the safety and well-being of residents, particularly vulnerable groups, and urged the inclusion of traditional rulers in the fight against social ills.
Responding, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, applauded the Governor’s leadership and the proactive steps taken by the Ministry. He assured that the State Judiciary is ready to collaborate with the Ministry in implementing strategic action plans that will bring about social equity and justice.
“The Judiciary is open to this important collaboration. We will work with the Ministry to ensure that necessary legal frameworks are activated and that justice is served swiftly and fairly to help eradicate these social issues,” Justice Adebara stated.
The initiative is expected to lead to a more structured and law-based approach in tackling the increasing concerns of street begging and child hawking in the state.
The statement was released by Daibu Abubakar, Press Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Kwara State.
