NewStats: 3,262,065 , 8,176,003 topics. Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025 at 05:15 PM 1k1s3

Awka — Despite the ban on street begging in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, the practice continues to thrive, with many youths spotted on Thursday at the popular Aroma Junction carrying out their activities.

The children were observed waiting for individuals who often bring them cooked food, while remaining cautious of officials from the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), who have been chasing them away and threatening arrests.

At the Aroma flyover, one of the beggars, twelve-year-old Munachi Benjamin, revealed that he makes between three and four thousand naira daily.

Munachi, who hails from a neighboring state, expressed hopes of convincing his mother to allow him to resume schooling next year.

He said: “I live with my brother and mother at Amudo, Awka. I dropped out of school because my mother cannot afford to pay for me. I made ₦3,500 on Wednesday, used ₦500 to eat, and gave my mother ₦3,000.”

“I haven’t made much today because officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority are pursuing us.”

When reminded that education is free in Anambra State, Munachi disclosed that his mother prefers he continues begging and brings the money home daily. He added that he also earns by carrying goods for people.

Recall that the state government recently banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading around flyovers in Awka.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ossy Onuko, stated that the ban was introduced to maintain the dignity and order of the capital city, which he described as the “face of the state.”

Onuko explained that the directive is part of government efforts to sanitize the capital and maintain public order, warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.

He specifically cautioned content creators and charity groups who pose with beggars against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces.

While acknowledging that some charitable acts are well-intentioned, he expressed concern that they inadvertently encourage continued loitering and the congregation of destitute individuals in unsafe locations.

“The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids,” Onuko stated.

“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk.

“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and ed NGOs, where can be professionally istered to those in need.”

Onuko advised that donations be directed to private homes or designated spaces that do not create public nuisances.

He further warned that these children are exposed to potential dangers, including being struck by vehicles, abused by adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

“Such actions are illegal, and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action,” he concluded.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/despite-govts-ban-on-street-begging-the-business-still-thrives-in-anambra/

They should go and work.

Ndi ayiyo, Igbos' version of almajiri

Toh

Begging kẹ̀? Maybe they are begging to dash their birrions out because everyone is birrionaires here? This is ewedu gulping and Lagos ibadan expressway reporting from iragbiji 🤓🤓

I'm sure northern will still for over 50 percent

Some folks are hellbent on destroying NL wit tribalism.

Movie titled- 'How to stop billionaires' by Charles Soludo.
If this report was from Kano or Lagos, the Obi twins and their serial loser mentor would have something important to say. Let's keep fooling around.

Billionaires with begging bowls

Okay

Beggers in the land where everyone is a billionaire. I don't believe this.

Chai

Ndi billionaires.. 😂


Some will.soon come here to claim their people don't beg. But video evidence plenty. Make dem deny first sha. 😎

Wait o I thought they said Southeasteners don't beg like others. Now the truth is out. E go touch everybody.

Igbo no dey beg. Pleasr leave

It’s a lie. The beggars are all fulanis.

Poverty in the South East

Image123:
Movie titled- 'How to stop billionaires' by Charles Soludo.
If this report was from Kano or Lagos, the Obi twins will have something important to say. Let's keep fooling around.

Those beggers are from neighboring states.

Most of them are not even Igbos

stanluiz:
Those beggers are from neighboring states.

I believe you bro, you're omniscient na

I thought ibos dont beg? we've been told that for years!

Land of billionaires? fake news

stanluiz:
Those beggers are from neighboring states.

You are doing well

I may be wrong, but I believe this is propaganda because begging is not a thriving practice in any Igbo community. The average Igbo man or woman rarely gives money to beggars. An Igbo person might give you money as a friend or someone they know, but not simply because you're a beggar. Unless, of course, the beggars in question are non-Igbo. If you’ve ever interacted closely with Igbo people, you’d understand exactly what I mean.

oluwaseyi0:
I'm sure northern will still for over 50 percent

So who is responsible for the remaining 50%?

D00msDay:
Some folks are hellbent on destroying NL wit tribalism.

I don't know if I should pty seun. He is watching his investment go down the drain

Fake news from Amala republic media.



Umu Chineke are all billionaires and trillionaires.