The Kwara State government has sought the cooperation of the judiciary in its efforts to rid the state of street begging, street hawking, child labour and abuse.
The commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Imam, during a visit to the chief judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, stressed the importance of using legal instruments in checking street begging and other social vices in the state.
She said the government was committed to ensuring the upliftment of the less privileged and eradication of social vices in order to make the state safe for all residents.
Imam who said that concerted efforts were being made to nip the issues of street begging, hawking and other social vices in the bud, noted that minimal result has been achieved because the offenders keep indulging in the acts.
The commissioner noted that the best approach to forestalling street begging is through legal means where offenders would be charged to court for prosecution and sentenced or heavily fined without delay, to serve as deterrent to others.
She reaffirmed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s continuous support for ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, especially children and the vulnerable.
The chief judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adebara, commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s exemplary leadership and unrelenting efforts at ensuring social equity and justice in the state.
He appreciated the commissioner for her pro-activeness and foresight in ensuring that the Ministry of Social Development is taking the lead in securing social responsibilities and uplifting the disadvantaged members of the society.
Adebara assured the commissioner that the state judiciary would collaborate with the ministry on strategic action plans and implementation of policies and programmes to eradicate street begging, hawking and other social vices in the state.
