Lagos Govt Responds To Tacha: Enforcement Of Street Beggars Cannot Be Emotional.

The Lagos State Government has responded to reality TV star Tacha’s criticism over the arrest of underage street beggars, emphasizing that enforcement of the law cannot be driven solely by emotion. According to Nivo News, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed the matter on Wednesday, sharing footage of the arrest conducted by the state’s environmental taskforce.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tacha had condemned the arrests, arguing that the government had failed the children and should instead establish vocational centres with boarding facilities to teach practical skills such as shoemaking, design, photography, and videography.

In response, Wahab stated that it is not the responsibility of the government to act as parent to recalcitrant children. He emphasized that advocacy and enforcement must be guided by law, data, and long-term social responsibility rather than emotion. He noted that public schools in Lagos are tuition-free, technical colleges and vocational centres exist across the state, and numerous NGOs, community leaders, religious bodies, and elected officials provide free skills-acquisition programs.

Wahab added that children apprehended by the taskforce are profiled; some are returned to families outside Lagos, while others are offered free admission to skill-building programs through the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. He further invited Tacha and other stakeholders to partner with the state in removing children from the streets and providing them with opportunities for empowerment.