The Ebonyi State Government has initiated a data collection exercise targeting beggars and hawkers, with a particular focus on underage individuals, within the Abakaliki metropolis.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, announced the move on Friday during a road walk aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of street begging, underage hawking, loitering, and human trafficking.
The event took place within Abakaliki.
Nwankpuma condemned the practice of child hawking and begging, particularly during school hours, describing it as a form of child labor.
She explained that the data collection effort would help ensure that underage individuals are reintegrated into the educational system.
Additionally, she revealed that adult beggars would be provided with skills training and empowerment opportunities.
“We have made efforts to offer some of them the chance to acquire skills, and once they complete the training, we will empower them,” the commissioner stated.
Nwankpuma also highlighted that the ministry is working with the state Ministry of Health and the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, to provide treatment for mentally ill individuals on the streets.
“We will begin with four people, monitor their progress, and gradually extend the treatment to others, as some are not fully mentally deranged but rather suffering from depression,” she added.
The commissioner emphasized that the campaign would be conducted in partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to identify and support vulnerable individuals effectively.
