The Edo State Government has embarked on a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the issue of street children across the state, providing support and promoting reintegration into their families and communities.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Olabisi Idaomi, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin.
Idaomi explained that the Ministry has identified two categories of street children: those living on the street and children involved in street begging. To address this, the Ministry collaborated with NGOs to carry out sensitization efforts in key areas, aiming to identify children with traceable families and assist in their reintegration.
“The sensitisation aimed to encourage street children to make informed choices about leaving the streets for a more structured life,” Idaomi said. “Following the campaign, the Ministry conducted rescue operations and placed children in temporary care facilities. Some caregivers later came forward to reclaim and take responsibility for the children.”
The commissioner noted that most street children beggars are of Northern origin, often seen begging with their families. The Ministry worked with stakeholders, including community leaders, to devise strategies for removing these children and families from the streets.
To facilitate repatriation, the Edo government has contacted community leaders in the children’s states of origin. Radio campaigns in local languages are also being run to inform street children beggars about the government’s intentions.
“These messages aim to inform the children about actions the state may take regarding their street presence,” Idaomi stated.
While acknowledging the rising population within Benin metropolis, which has complicated the issue, Idaomi emphasized the Ministry’s systematic approach to evacuating street children beggars while urging their home states to take full responsibility.
