LIKE most cosmopolitan cities, Lagos is also confronted with the menace of street begging and hawking. Begging is an age long activity prominent in urban centres where it is common to see the physically challenged, visually impaired, deaf and even supposedly stranded visitors (famously referred to as corporate beggars) throng walkways, street corners, religious centres, etc., begging for alms.
While some of these beggars are genuinely in need, others simply want to catch on the legendary generosity of Lagosians to eke out a living. The increasing population of beggars and street hawkers in Lagos has become an eyesore as they now constitute environmental hazards as well as security threats. There have been instances when a few of these so-called beggars and hawkers were discovered to be agents of daredevil criminals.
No doubt, the menace of beggars and hawkers in Lagos had reached an alarming dimension. This is in spite of regular rescue operations carried out by the rescue team of the State’s Rehabilitation Department. Beggars and hawkers of different categories have continued to be common sights across the state with resultant negative effects on traffic management and security.
Investigation has shown that both menaces have become big business to some groups of people, as beggars and hawkers (children and adults) are transported regularly from other parts of the country to Lagos with the sole aim of engaging in the detestable and demeaning venture.