Lagos State Pleads with Celebrities, Public to End Support for Street Urchins

The Lagos State Government has issued a strong appeal to public figures, including celebrities, social media influencers, and the general populace, to cease all activities that foster the operations of street urchins, commonly known as 'agberos'. This caution came from Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, who disseminated the message via his X account on Sunday, August 9.

Wahab's statement was prompted by his being tagged in a video documentary that vividly portrayed the aggressive conduct of these street touts within Lagos metropolis. Responding to the compelling footage, the Commissioner highlighted the consistent efforts by the state administration to apprehend and remove these individuals from various locations across the state.

He, however, pointed out a critical challenge: the ongoing financial aid and encouragement these 'agberos' receive from certain members of the public inadvertently bolster their activities. Wahab articulated this concern, stating: “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.”

While acknowledging the government's primary duty to uphold law and order and safeguard its citizens, the Commissioner underscored that the public also bears a significant responsibility in tackling this pervasive issue. Wahab implored residents to refrain from actions that could inadvertently promote street begging, general lawlessness, insecurity, and environmental degradation on Lagos roads.

He further added: “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.”