The Lagos State Government has appealed to celebrities, social media influencers and members of the public to desist from actions that could encourage the activities of street urchins, popularly known as agberos, across the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal in a post on X on Sunday while reacting to a video documentary highlighting the activities of street urchins in Lagos.
Wahab said the state government had consistently carried out operations to apprehend and dislodge street urchins from various locations across the state.
He, however, noted that financial support and patronage from some celebrities, influencers and members of the public continued to undermine the government’s efforts.
“The state government has consistently apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the state.
“However, the continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement,” he wrote.
The commissioner acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order and protect residents, but stressed that members of the public also have a role to play in tackling the problem.
He urged residents to avoid activities that could promote street begging, lawlessness, insecurity and environmental nuisance on Lagos roads.
“We urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads.
“Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos,” Wahab added.
