‘Enforcement Cannot Be Emotional’ – Lagos State Replies Tacha on Underage Beggars

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 young street beggars.
According to reports, Wahab posted a video on Wednesday that captured the moment when members of the state’s environmental taskforce apprehended a young beggar.

In response, Tacha denounced the development and insisted that the children had been let down by the administration.

She contended 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 has no obligation to raise children who are uncooperative.

He wrote, “To Tacha, I am grateful for your concern.

“Enforcement and advocacy cannot be handled emotionally or impulsively. Law, statistics, and long-term social responsibility must direct them.

Nobody doubts the existence of poverty or the risks that kids encounter when driving. The presence of juveniles on key highways, like Lekki-Epe, is the exact reason that intervention is required, not the reason that enforcement should be dropped. It is neglect, not empathy, to let kids avoid speeding cars in the name of compassion.

First off, Lagos State public schools offer free tuition and free WAEC test fees. Additionally, Lagos offers free technical colleges, vocational centers, and skill-building programs throughout the state, many of which teach trades including fashion, shoemaking, photography, ICT, and creative arts. Beyond government buildings, free training and empowerment programs are regularly organized by community leaders, non-governmental organizations, religious organizations, and even elected officials throughout the state. Although these interventions might not be flawless, it would be incorrect to say that they don’t exist.

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. You may find it interesting to know that each time these children are arrested, they are profiled. But it is not the government’s job to raise stubborn kids.

“Dear Tacha, we would be willing to collaborate with you and others to help remove children like this from the streets, going beyond social media, just like everyone else who has partnered with the state.” Please contact the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development @Mo_ogunlende or myself.I