Insecurity: Kwara Evacuates 94 Street Beggars, to Be Send Them to Their Respective States

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Kwara State Government has evacuated 94 beggars from the streets of Ilorin, the state capital.

The government however said that, the evacuated beggars will be prosecuted and repatriated after proper profiling.

The evacuation of the beggars from the streets according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with the reported cases of insecurity in the state.

It was learnt that most of the beggars’ abode had been allegedly used as take off points for criminals to perpetrate their nefarious activities in the state.

The evacuation and planned repatriation of the street beggars, including 43 females and 51 males, was coordinated by the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima Imam.

The exercise also involved the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Mikail Aileru, officers of the National Correctional Services in the state and the officials of the ministry which took them to popular locations as Geri Alimi, Tanke Junction, Offa Garage, Tipper Garage and Zango, among others.

Speaking with journalists during the exercise yesterday in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, said the state government had done two repatriation exercises of street beggars before now, adding that street begging is not allowed in Kwara state.

“We are actually repatriating and evacuating the streets beggars. The reason is that we’ve made a lot of jingles before now to sensitise the public and make sure that they are well informed that street begging is a no-no in Kwara State.

“And we’ve done about two repatriations before now where we evacuated the streets beggars.

“Also, one thing we do is that we have the ministry magistrate where they are served sentence for one week or depending on the kind of punishment that is stipulated.

“For the children, we make sure that we take care of them till the period when the parents finish their terms of community service activities.

“We are in collaboration with the correctional centre and they’ve been doing a lovely job for us. We sincerely appreciate them.

“We sincerely appreciate the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his effort to make sure that Kwara State is free of street begging and street hawking and other social menace that is around us,” she said.

Imam said that the state government was always in touch with the state governments of the street beggars before they were returned to their respective states.

She admonished members of the public, who she said patronise the street beggars to desist, saying that, “You know, people want to give alms. So, if you want to give alms, there are better ways to give alms. Go to mosques or churches, go to the orphanage homes, go to centres where people truly need assistance. Stop patronising beggars.

“We want to urge the public to please refrain from patronising the beggars. It’s a menace in the society.”

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, Haliru Olamilekan Mikail said that most of the people that portray themselves as beggars peddle drugs.

He said, “This exercise is not just about street begging alone. It’s about the security of our people. Some of the people are informants.

“These days, we talk about kidnapping and all that. They are not just there to beg for money.

“Do you know that some people brought them there to work for them? So this is why, as much as we are clamping down on street begging, we are making sure that our society is safe.

“We’ve done the advocacy on radio. There are a lot of information on radio and on the social media. It’s a continuous process.”

For his part, Head of Non-Custodian Unit, Nigeria Correctional Service Kwara State Command, Mr Adebayo Okunola, explained that the exercise was to clean the state of social menace while those arrested and tried by the appropriate court will be punished in line with the Correctional Act 2019.

“We have Correctional Act 2019 which empowered us that offences which are not criminal in nature are sentenced to non correctional service.

“The head of the Correctional Service Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche has mandated us to collaborate with the Kwara State Government to ensure that those arrested and tried by appropriate court are sentenced to non custodian unit. Then, we will ensure that they undergo punitive measures like sweeping gutters,” Okunola added.

The post Insecurity: Kwara Evacuates 94 Street Beggars, to Be Send Them to Their Respective States appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become a thing of the past, as renewed efforts are underway to address it through collective action and legislative reform.

    Speaking at the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) themed ‘Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action’, Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women.

    Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, Abbas stated that: “The issue of women’s underrepresentation will soon be the tale of the past. We are engaging with our colleagues one-on-one. Whether in Abuja or in their constituencies, we are making sure they understand that the time is now. There is no better time than now.”

    The speaker emphasized the importance of collective advocacy and legislative reform, saying: “The Reserved Seats Bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor, seeks to create 37 additional seats for women across the National Assembly, including three seats per senatorial district at the state level.”

    He highlighted the recent national public hearing on the bill held on September 22, where Nigerian women turned out in overwhelming numbers to show solidarity. 

    “It was a clear sign that Nigerian women are ready to take their place at the decision-making table. We are not asking — we are taking action,” he said.

    Abbas also revealed that grassroots mobilization efforts are already underway.

    According to him, “We’ve engaged political party leaderships, traditional rulers, royal fathers and community leaders. We are lobbying from the top to the grassroots because this bill is not just about politics — it’s about correcting decades of structural imbalance.”

    He commended what he called the president’s gender-sensitive leadership. 

    “This is the only president who has supported his wife to be in the Senate three times. His Renewed Hope Agenda is clear — he wants a Nigeria where no woman is left behind,” he added.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the story of Nigeria is incomplete without the strength of its women.

    “Your voices remain the heartbeat of our country; echoing, undaunted, unyielding, and rising to shape a future of equity and progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “My administration stands resolute in empowering women as protectors of families, drivers of innovation and catalysts of the one trillion-dollar economy we are building together,” he said.

    Speaking in her capacity as minister, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the power of collective action and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian women, adding that true gender equality cannot be achieved in isolation.

    She noted that women currently occupy less than 6 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, far below the African Union’s target of 50 per cent parity and beneath the global average of 26.5 per cent.

    The minister stated that the Reserved Seats Bill is necessary to address the underrepresentation and to promote political inclusivity.

    “The Reserved Seats Bill is so significant. It is not an act of benevolence; it is an act of justice and strategic necessity.

    “By guaranteeing space for women in governance, we align with global best practices, ensure a more inclusive democracy, and unlock the full potential of half of Nigeria’s population,” she said.

    While commending the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for its support, she said: “Their determination to support the Reserved Seats Bill demonstrates political courage and statesmanship.”

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the Convener of the Conference and CEO of Women Radio 91.7, said the annual conference remains a platform where women’s voices rise to shape Nigeria’s future.

    Okewale-Sonaiya emphasized the need to bridge the gap and address low female political representation to ensure inclusive governance and national transformation.

    Speaking on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, she stressed the need for the president and National Assembly to pass it into law, adding that it is critical for Nigeria’s true democracy.

    “The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria. Your commitment and administration’s focus on development and inclusivity align with the bill’s objectives.

    “Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing. Your advocacy will significantly impact the bill’s passage. It will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership.

    Other activities to mark the conference included the conferment of awards on notable personalities for their contributions to the advancement of women.

    ​  

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become

    High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

    High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

    Bennett Oghifo

    For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation.

    The AAD Governing Board confirmed that the high-level dialogue will take place at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja from October 7-8, 2025, under the theme, ‘Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa’.

    This landmark event marks a significant shift, bringing the dialogue’s focus on unlocking finance for agricultural transformation directly to the continent.

    Since its inception, the Africa Agriculture Dialogue has been a vital platform for shaping policy, advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation by developing actionable ideas, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and driving collective accountability.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari said, “Nigeria is delighted to be hosting the first-ever 2025 edition of the Dialogue in Abuja, a platform dedicated to unlocking finance for agricultural transformation across Africa. This inaugural gathering underscores our commitment to advancing Africa-led solutions and ensuring African perspectives take centre stage in shaping the global food and agriculture agenda. We are confident that the outcomes from Abuja will not only chart pathways for sustainable growth but also reinforce Africa’s position as a compelling destination for agricultural and agro allied investments.”

    At a virtual press conference yesterday, Idris Ajimobi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, and Richard-Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, told journalists “The AAD 2025 will highlight Nigeria’s leadership in agricultural and livestock transformation. This initiative demonstrates how agriculture can serve as a foundation for inclusive growth in Africa.

    “The AAD 2025 dialogue aims to achieve the following strategic objectives: Amplify African voices in shaping global agricultural discourse; Develop a forward-looking continental investment narrative that aligns with national strategies and regional ambitions; Strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for agricultural transformation; and Set the stage for Africa’s presence at global platforms later in the year.”

    They said the AAD 2025 will bring together high-level stakeholders to explore inclusive growth, innovation, and investment opportunities across Africa’s agricultural sector.

    The dialogue, they said, will convene a diverse group of influential stakeholders, including senior government officials, business leaders in agri-food value chains, representatives of development and financial institutions, global philanthropies, farmers and entrepreneurs, innovators, as well as students and experts in natural resource management and investment.

    The Africa Agriculture Dialogue is a leading continental platform dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment in Africa’s agricultural transformation. It convenes government leaders, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society to advance shared strategies for food systems resilience and sustainability.

    According to Ajomobi, “Lack of financing is a challenge that is experienced throughout the sector, so I feel this discussion and dialogue session is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss our challenges and see what opportunities are available.”

    Richard-Mark Mbaram said, “The Africa Agriculture Dialogue 2025 is an event that takes place prior to the World Food Prize every year, and basically sets out to capture narratives and conversational issues that relate to Africa and project them on the world stage.”

    The World Food Prize, he said, is the Nobel of Agriculture. “It is a gathering of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector worldwide.”

    ​  

    Bennett Oghifo For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation. The AAD

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