The Edo State Government has begun a transformative project aimed at evacuating and rehabilitating street beggars, mentally-challenged individuals, and other destitute persons from major streets and markets in the vibrant Benin metropolis.
Implemented by the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues in collaboration with various security agencies, this endeavor aligns with the comprehensive ‘Operation Plan Edo.’
The dedicated team has already evacuated over 50 individuals in key locations such as Ihama, Boundary and Country Home Roads axis in GRA, as well as Sapele Road and Ring Road axis, all strategically situated within the Benin metropolis.
Mrs. Barbara Osobajo, the esteemed Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, affirmed that the destitute individuals would undergo thorough rehabilitation and be seamlessly reintegrated into society, while others would be lovingly reunited with their families.
Demonstrating the government’s unwavering dedication to promoting cleanliness and orderliness in Edo, Mrs. Osobajo emphasized the urgent need for increased collaboration and support from all residents to eradicate street begging and other detrimental practices within the Benin metropolis.
According to her, “The Edo State Government wants to clean up the state and put it in a better position for long-term, sustainable growth and development. The government of Benin has begun the process of evacuating mentally challenged individuals, street beggars, and other impoverished people from the city.
“The evacuated individuals have been transported to multiple correctional and rehabilitation centers in the state, where they are receiving care, and following extensive treatment and rehabilitation, they will be reintegrated into society.”
“To ensure that we achieve a safe and sane Edo that we all will be proud to be associated with, the operation began within the Benin metropolis and will be extended to other parts of the state,” the Permanent secretary added.
