The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to intensify efforts to urgently evacuate destitute persons from major streets and public places across the state.

This was as it warned that the growing presence of such vulnerable groups could trigger humanitarian concerns and damage the state’s public image.

The call followed a motion moved during plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Babajide Adebayo, representing Ibadan North II, who drew attention to the increasing number of destitute persons occupying road medians, markets and other public spaces, especially within Ibadan metropolis.

Adebayo acknowledged previous interventions by the state government through the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion but stressed that more comprehensive action was required to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis.

He warned that the unchecked rise in destitution on the streets could pose environmental, security and public health risks if not urgently addressed.

According to him, the government should accelerate the evacuation, rehabilitation and possible relocation of destitute persons while also creating pathways for their reintegration into society.

The lawmaker further recommended the introduction of skill acquisition programmes and educational initiatives that would empower affected individuals to become self-reliant and transition away from street life.

“This Honourable House takes cognisance of the effects of destitutes occupying major streets, road medians, markets and other public places, constituting public nuisance and environmental concerns in the state,” Adebayo said while presenting the motion.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Olusola Owolabi, representing Ibadan North East II, who also described the presence of destitute in his constituency as a security threat and environmental concern.

Several lawmakers also backed the initiative, including the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin; the House Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South); Hon. Peter Ojedokun (Ibarapa North/Central); Hon. Razaq Mabaje (Ido); and Hon. Akintunde Olajide (Lagelu), who co-sponsored the motion.

In his contribution, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, representing Oyo East/West State Constituency, described the motion as timely and critical, noting that the growing presence of destitute persons and street urchins along major roads had become an environmental and safety concern.

He called on the state government to take urgent and decisive measures to ensure that public roads and spaces remain safe for both residents and businesses.

Following deliberations, the House resolved to urge the executive arm of government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, to intensify efforts toward evacuating destitute persons from major streets and other public locations across the state.

The Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 24.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to intensify efforts to urgently evacuate destitute persons from major streets and public places across the state.

This was as it warned that the growing presence of such vulnerable groups could trigger humanitarian concerns and damage the state’s public image.

The call followed a motion moved during plenary on Tuesday by Hon. Babajide Adebayo, representing Ibadan North II, who drew attention to the increasing number of destitute persons occupying road medians, markets and other public spaces, especially within Ibadan metropolis.

Adebayo acknowledged previous interventions by the state government through the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion but stressed that more comprehensive action was required to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis.

He warned that the unchecked rise in destitution on the streets could pose environmental, security and public health risks if not urgently addressed.

According to him, the government should accelerate the evacuation, rehabilitation and possible relocation of destitute persons while also creating pathways for their reintegration into society.

The lawmaker further recommended the introduction of skill acquisition programmes and educational initiatives that would empower affected individuals to become self-reliant and transition away from street life.

“This Honourable House takes cognisance of the effects of destitutes occupying major streets, road medians, markets and other public places, constituting public nuisance and environmental concerns in the state,” Adebayo said while presenting the motion.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Olusola Owolabi, representing Ibadan North East II, who also described the presence of destitute in his constituency as a security threat and environmental concern.

Several lawmakers also backed the initiative, including the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin; the House Leader, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South); Hon. Peter Ojedokun (Ibarapa North/Central); Hon. Razaq Mabaje (Ido); and Hon. Akintunde Olajide (Lagelu), who co-sponsored the motion.

In his contribution, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, representing Oyo East/West State Constituency, described the motion as timely and critical, noting that the growing presence of destitute persons and street urchins along major roads had become an environmental and safety concern.

He called on the state government to take urgent and decisive measures to ensure that public roads and spaces remain safe for both residents and businesses.

Following deliberations, the House resolved to urge the executive arm of government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, to intensify efforts toward evacuating destitute persons from major streets and other public locations across the state.

The Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 24.