IBADAN/Nigeria: In a resolute effort to combat vagrancy, street begging, and address other societal ills, the Oyo State Government embarked on a mission to rescue a homeless woman and her twin daughters from the streets of Ibadan during the past week.
The rescue operation was executed by a dedicated team led by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun. The Commissioner emphasized that this initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of vulnerable individuals in society, ensuring they benefit from the government’s sustainable development agenda.
During the operation, Commissioner Balogun underscored the government’s dedication to rehabilitating destitute individuals and reintegrating them into society. She stressed, “Destitute are not only homeless individuals living on the streets but also include some of the poorest and extremely poor people who lack the means to provide for their basic needs. The government and society must put in place safety net measures to support them until they can stand on their feet and become productive contributors to society.”
The rescued homeless woman, tragically forced to sleep on the streets, was found with her under-aged twin daughters who had never been enrolled in the school system. Mrs. Balogun elicited vital information from the woman, revealing that she was once a Mass Communications student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before life’s challenges altered her path.
Commissioner Balogun reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens, leaving no one behind in this pursuit. She had previously instructed ministry staff to be on the lookout for the woman and her children when initial reports surfaced a couple of weeks ago. However, the woman managed to evade rescue efforts by changing locations. Fortunately, a compassionate Samaritan spotted them along the Jericho axis, leading to a swift response from the Commissioner and her team.
A cordoned area was established to safely evacuate the woman and her children, who were subsequently taken to appropriate facilities. The woman is currently receiving treatment at a tertiary health institution with the necessary mental health facilities, while her children have been placed in a state-owned facility for treatment and eventual reintegration into the school system.
This successful rescue operation was conducted by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, led by the Honorable Commissioner and her team, with invaluable support from key partners, including Prof. Otegbayo of CMD UCH, Dr. Abdulmalik and Mr. Tunji of ASIDO Foundation (an NGO specializing in mental health advocacy and treatment), and Dr. Bamgbose, a mental health specialist at UCH, among others.
The Oyo State Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of its citizens and eradicating homelessness, begging, and other societal challenges continues to be at the forefront of its agenda.
