Celebrities, influencers encouraging Lagos street urchins, Commissioner

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has appealed to celebrities, influencers, and the general public to cease actions that inadvertently encourage the activities of street urchins, commonly referred to as 'agberos.' The commissioner's statement followed his tagging in a video documentary that highlighted the persistent presence and operations of these individuals in the state.

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The state government has consistently apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the state. However, the continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement.

Wahab emphasized that the Lagos State Government has consistently worked to apprehend and remove street urchins from various locations. However, he noted that financial assistance and patronage from certain members of the public often counteract these efforts. According to Wahab, such support can lead these individuals to view street vending and related activities as a lucrative livelihood, fostering a sense of entitlement and encouraging their return to the streets.

The commissioner stressed that while the government bears responsibility for maintaining order and safety, effectively addressing the issue requires broad public cooperation. He urged everyone to refrain from actions that might unintentionally promote lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisomeness on the roads.

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We therefore urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads.

This appeal comes as the Lagos State Government intensifies its enforcement measures against street begging and environmental nuisances. Recent raids have targeted suspected street urchins and beggars across different parts of the state as part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety and restore order. Wahab concluded by stating that collective responsibility and cooperation are vital for building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos.

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Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos.