8-Years After Banning Public Begging In Kano, Ganduje Move To Set-up Anti-Street Begging Agency

By Muhammad Salisu, Kano

As call from different quarters to the Kano state government to effectively checkmate long held behaviour of street begging gathers momentum, the state government sets to establish Anti-Street Begging Agency, with strong tie with civil society organisations among other stakeholders. 

This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Abba Anwar in a statement made available to newskeeper in Kano.

It could be recalled that, The law prohibiting street begging in Kano state was first signed on Thursday 20th December, 2013 during Kwankwaso's tenure as governor.

Newskeeper learned that, until the present statement from the state Governor, all issue to do with enforcing the already signed street begging Prohibitions law were handle by the Kano state Hisba Board.

According to the statement, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje dropped the hint while receiving the leadership of amalgamation of civil society organisations led by Malam Ibrahim Waiya in the state, during the state Executive Council meeting held Tuesday, at Africa House, Government House, Kano.

Governor Ganduje said, "An agency will be put in place with full staff to look into this issue of street begging. We just cannot fold our hands and see the life of innocent kids being wasted away through this menace of street begging."

Reiterating that, street begging is an abuse of children,  which, he observes "...prevents them from learning the religion and modern education system."

While appreciating the concern shown by civil society groups, he assured that, the state government would carry them along for the successful implementation of state policy against street begging and for sustainability purposes.

Earlier the organised civil society groups sent a letter to the governor intimating him on the need to partner with them in the effective implementation of government's Law against street begging. 

The letter was sent under the platform of Kano Civil Society Forum, dated 23rd September, 2021, captioned, "Urgent Call to Ensure Total Enforcement of the Law Banning Street Begging in Kano State," and was duly signed by Ibrahim Waiya and Peter Hassan Tijjani.

As governor encouraged that, "Your letter is in conformity with our intention," said Governor Ganduje.