The Ebonyi State Government has started collecting data on beggars and hawkers, particularly underage individuals, in the Abakaliki metropolis.
The announcement was made by Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, during a road walk on Friday aimed at raising awareness against street begging, underage hawking, loitering, and trafficking of vulnerable people.
The event took place in Abakaliki and was organized by the ministry’s Anti-Child Abuse Committee. Nwankpuma described child hawking and begging, especially during school hours, as forms of child labor. She explained that the data collection would help ensure that underage individuals are encouraged to return to school.
Additionally, she mentioned that adult beggars would receive skills training based on their interests and be empowered afterwards. “We have made efforts to engage some of them and have requested that they take up skills training, which we will support upon completion,” the commissioner stated.
Furthermore, she shared that the ministry is collaborating with the state Ministry of Health and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki to provide treatment for mentally ill individuals living on the streets. “We will start with four individuals, monitor their progress, and gradually assist others one by one for treatment, as some may not be completely mentally ill but are experiencing depression,” Nwankpuma noted.
She emphasized that the campaign would be carried out in partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to effectively identify and support those in need.
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