Ekiti removes beggars, mentally challenged from streets amid drama

BIG drama ensued in Ado Ekiti yesterday, as the state government commenced removal of destitutes and mentally challenged persons from streets in  the state capital.

The exercise, which is being carried out by  a team of officials of Ekiti State Ministries of  Disability Affairs and their counterparts from Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, also took place in Ikere Ekiti, with mentally impaired  persons being picked up and taken to rehabilitation centre, in Ado Ekiti.

But this did not go down without resistance by some destitutes unwilling to cooperate.

Speaking with journalists, Executive Secretary at Office for Disability Affairs, Dr Ayodele Ibikunle, explained that those apprehended were moved to rehabilitation homes where government will care of their medical treatment.

According to him, the state government was particular about their welfare, particularly in training and engaging those  willing to become artisans  after rehabilitation.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Mojisola Fafure, whose ministry supervises the office for disability affairs, said the raid was meant to rid the streets of destitution, with a view to  rehabilitating them, assuring  that the raid will be a continuous exercise to  be extended to other communities  in Ekiti State.

It will be recalled that a surge in number of mentally challenged persons was witnessed around Adekunle Fajuyi Flyover in Ijigbo , Atikaikan Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti..