Efe Oghenetega
Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has responded to criticism over the state’s crackdown on street begging, particularly involving minors.
The debate arose after Wahab posted a video on Wednesday, January 7, showing the arrest of a child beggar by officials of the state’s environmental task force.
Accompanying the footage was a caption: “The enforcement operation targeting street beggars and urchins persists along the Lekki-Ajah corridor and other areas, as part of broader efforts to maintain public safety and clear our roads of obstruction.”
Many social media users expressed distress upon seeing the child’s emotional reaction to the arrest.
Reality TV personality Tacha weighed in, questioning the approach of apprehending child beggars. She argued that the root issue lies in systemic failures pushing children into street begging rather than the act itself. She advocated for skill-based rehabilitation programs instead of punitive measures.
“The core issue isn’t about arresting these children—it’s about why they’re on the streets to begin with,” Tacha stated.
“These kids beg daily because the system has neglected them. Along Lekki-Epe Expressway alone, dozens risk their lives dodging traffic just to survive. Shouldn’t they be in classrooms instead? Arrests won’t eliminate poverty—they only deepen desperation.”
She proposed vocational training initiatives with residential support, emphasizing skills like shoemaking, photography, and videography as sustainable alternatives.
“Force isn’t the solution to poverty. If anyone should face accountability, it’s officials whose mismanagement forced these children onto dangerous streets.”
In his reply, Wahab clarified that while government interventions exist, enforcement remains necessary for public safety and order.
“Dear Tacha, I appreciate your passion, but governance requires systemic approaches, not emotional reactions,” he responded.
“Child welfare is a priority, yet allowing minors to roam hazardous highways under the guise of compassion is irresponsible. Lagos offers tuition-free schools, vocational training, and youth programs—while imperfect, they exist to provide alternatives.”
He explained that apprehended children undergo profiling, with some reunified with families or enrolled in state-sponsored skill acquisition schemes.
“Government cannot replace parental responsibility. However, we welcome collaboration with advocates like you to expand solutions. Reach out to us—we’re open to partnerships that genuinely uplift these vulnerable children.”
Wahab extended an invitation for Tacha to engage directly with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to explore actionable reforms.
