Tokunbo Wahab, the state commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, has reacted to reality TV star Tacha’s criticism of the arrest of minors begging on the streets.
According to reports, Wahab posted a video on Wednesday that captured the moment men from the state’s environmental taskforce apprehended a young beggar.
In response, Tacha said that the government had let the kids down and denounced the development.
She maintained that the government should set up appropriate vocational centers with boarding facilities that teach practical skills like shoe-making, design, photography, and videography rather than detaining the children.
In response to her social media post, Wahab emphasized that the government does not have a responsibility to raise children who are resistant.
He composed, “Dear Tacha, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
“One cannot approach advocacy and enforcement with emotion or impulsive responses. Law, data, and long-term social responsibility must serve as their compass.
“Poverty and the risks children confront on our roads are undeniable facts. The presence of juveniles on key thoroughfares, like Lekki–Epe, is the exact reason that intervention is required, not that enforcement should be discontinued. It is neglect, not empathy, to leave kids to avoid fast-moving cars out of concern for them.
First off, Lagos State public institutions offer free tuition and free WAEC exam cost. Additionally, Lagos offers free technical colleges, vocational centers, and skills-acquisition programs throughout the state, many of which teach trades including fashion, shoemaking, photography, ICT, and creative arts. Beyond government facilities, free training and empowerment programs are regularly organized by community leaders, NGOs, religious organizations, and even elected politicians throughout the state. It would be incorrect to say that there are no interventions, even though they may not be flawless.
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development offers free admission to children who are interested in learning skills, while others are returned to their parents, most of whom do not reside in Lagos. This information may be of interest to you. Each time these children are arrested, they are profiled. Nonetheless, raising uncooperative kids is not the responsibility of the government.
“Dear Tacha, we would be willing to collaborate with you and others to help take children like this off the streets, going beyond social media, just like everyone else who has collaborated with the authorities. Please contact the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, @Mo_ogunlende, or me.It
