The Kano State Government, North Western Nigeria is set to establish Anti-Street Begging Agency, with a strong tie with the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs among other stakeholders.
This is based on calls for the state government to checkmate the long held habit of street begging in the state.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje while receiving the leadership of Amalgamation of Civil Society Organisations, during the week’s State Executive Council meeting held at Africa House, Government House, Kano.
He said street begging would be thoroughly checked in the state.
The delegation including CSO leader, Malam Ibrahim Waiya visited the Governor to strengthen the fight against street begging.
Governor Ganduje said an agency would be put in place with full members of staff, to look into this issue of street begging.
He said; “We just cannot fold our hands and see the life of innocent kids being wasted through this menace of street begging.
“Street begging is an abuse of children, which prevents them from learning the religion and modern education system.”
He gave assurance that the government would carry the CSOs along for the successful implementation of the state policy against street begging. And for sustainability purposes.
The Governor said; “We are happy to receive you and we are thankful for your unrelenting concern. It is true also that, we must evolve new strategy in dealing with this issue.”
The organised Civil Society Groups sent a letter to the Governor, intimating him on the need to partner with them in the effective implementation of government’s Law against street begging.
The Governor responded;”Your letter is in conformity with our intention.”
The letter was sent under the platform of Kano Civil Society Forum, dated 23rd September, 2021, captioned, “Urgent Call to Ensure Total Enforcement of the Law Banning Street Begging in Kano State,” and was duly signed by Ibrahim Waiya and Peter Hassan Tijjani.
Lateefah Ibrahim