Trending
Abuja: Stop Wike’s plan to evict beggars, NGO urges Tinubu

Published
6 months agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
A Non-Governmental Organization, Long Term Solution for Destitute Initiative has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Neysom Wike over the ultimatum handed over to beggars to vacate the streets of Abuja,
The Chairman of the group, Dr Saleh Ibrahim, in a statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday said street begging is an embarrassment to any society that creates the conditions for the rise and growth of such poor and vulnerable people.
“I am particularly embarrassed by the fact that Northerners dominate the population of beggars in the country, despite our privilege of holding political power the longest.
“It’s a badge of shame. Islam forbids and discourages begging. Begging destroys one’s pride. It is an insult to self-esteem. In his last interview with the BBC Hausa Service shortly before his demise, General Hassan Usman Katsina admonished bitterly against begging.
“However, while we are commending the FCT Minister for his “courage” we shouldn’t ignore the human rights angle of the issue. We shouldn’t treat a complex issue superficially. Cosmetic approach to public policy usually makes a bad situation worse. Wike was not the first Minister to expel beggers”
The statement further said former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai had done the same thing before, but the beggars still floored back to Abuja.
“General Jerry Useini also expelled Abuja beggars to a remote forest in Zuru, Kebbi State, but the beggars found their way back. That means the picture is bigger than the surface level understanding of the issue by our policy makers, including Mr. Wike.
“Our constitution has conferred on citizens regardless of their social standing the freedom to reside in any part of the country. Meanwhile the beggers as part of the weak and vulnerable in our society have a right to be catered for in governance.
“The question that is begging for answer now is what has the FCT administration done in terms of catering for the welfare of the weak and vulnerable. Commendably the administration of former FCT minister Nasir El-Rufai built a settlement for the destitute in Yargoji on Abaji road.
“The settlement has a primary school and land for cultivation of food. According to Housing Rights Watch Policy analyst, Anna kompatscher (FEANTSA), “the stigmatization and penalisation of beggars and poor people have heavy consequences for their dignity.
“Banning begging but also other penalization strategies can push the people targeted by these measures further into poverty and social exclusion. A way forward can only be a change of mindset on begging as a criminal economic activity. If begging should be eradicated, then it should not be through penalisation and criminalization but thanks to a more supportive approach, helping low-income families to receive assistance and resources.
“Ironically, in Nigeria, those resources are stolen through corruption. The recent revelations about the large scale corruption in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs have exposed how billions of public funds meant for poor people were brazenly stolen. Corruption impoverished the people and make them more vulnerable.
“These vulnerable people are victims of multidimensional poverty. They can’t afford to send their children to school or afford the costs of basic medical care. They die of preventable diseases such cholera, malaria, meningitis and other infections.”
Saleh emphasised that treating beggars as criminals is morally offensive. “They’re victims of the corruption in the country. You can’t punish the victims of corruption and spare the perpetrators. In fact, beggars are the human debris of the devastating impact of pervasive poverty in the country.
“The current insecurity has aggravated poverty which in turn has made the victims to become beggars and refugees. A system that allows people to amass incredible wealth through corruption without consequences is worse than the menace of begging.
“The poor recruitment process into governance in our country is responsible for the endemic nature of begging in our polity. Indonesia, Kenya and several other countries have successfully researched and addressed the menace of begging.”
He, therefore, called on those in position of authority need to understand that addressing the menace of begging is not a rocket science.
“There are steps that are scientifically proven as international best practice of addressing such social problem where there is good governance and sincerity of purpose.”
You may like
NAF airlifts Airforce students to their destinations across Nigeria
APC CANDIDATES FOR 2025 NIGER STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ELECTION
Kyari brought structure, stability to NNPCL – NDYC
ANALYSIS: With Traore, Burkina Faso can get governance right, achieve developmental aspirations
PETER OBI WILL WIN 2027 ELECTION EFFORTLESSLY—- Ife Salako(Labour party spokesperson Lagos state)
Ogun unveils new strategy to fight HIV/AIDS
Trending
Construct speed breakers to stop accidents on Apete-Akufo road – Residents to Makinde

Published
7 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Residents of communities along the Apete -Akufo road have appealed to Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde to construct speed breakers and bumps om the road.
The residents noted that this is necessary in order to avoid incessant road accidents on the road.
Our correspondent reports that the road serves over 50 communities within Ido local government area.
Ekwutosblog gathered that the 12.5 kilometers road – which is the first concrete road in the state – was executed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Many road accidents have occurred along the road since its construction.
The residents of the communities appealed to Makinde to provide speed breakers and bumps to avoid future occurrences of accidents on the road.
The residents in a statement signed by the Deputy Provost, Comfort Estate, Araromi, Professor Onyekachi Ireanus Okoro, said that many accidents have occurred on the road.
Okoro, in the statement made available to Ekwutosblog on Thursday, said that reckless driving habits of commercial motorcyclists, tipper truck drivers and other vehicle operators pose a significant threat to the lives of residents and travellers in the affected communities.
Okoro in the statement titled ‘Urgent call for road safety measures’, insisted that the current situation puts the lives of residents, commuters and pedestrians at risk.
“We, the community, are concerned about the increasing number of accidents on the Apete-Akufo Highway. The reckless driving habits of commercial motorcyclists, tipper truck drivers, and other vehicle operators pose a significant threat to the lives of residents and travelers.
“We kindly request the installation of speed breakers or bumps along this highway to reduce speeding and prevent accidents. This measure will help save lives and prevent unnecessary pain and suffering in our communities.
“The current situation puts the lives of residents, commuters, and pedestrians at risk. Speed control measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.We are concerned about the impact of accidents on families and the community as a whole.
“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this issue. The installation of speed breakers or bumps will be a significant step towards ensuring the safety of all road users.
“We believe that with the implementation of these safety measures, we can reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for everyone. We look forward to a positive response to our request”.
Trending
US indicts Nigerian man for $690,000 fraud, lying to obtain American citizenship

Published
11 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Oladapo Fadugba, a Nigerian-born United States citizen, risks 27 years imprisonment over his alleged involvement in a $690,000 wire fraud scheme and making false declarations to obtain US citizenship.
This was contained in a statement by the US Attorney for the District of Florida, Gregory Kehoe, on Tuesday.
Kehoe said Fadugba was indicted for multiple charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements during his naturalisation process.
He noted that between October 2020 and July 2023, the suspect allegedly diverted $690,000 in funds belonging to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, which was meant for reimbursement to a major local healthcare provider.
It was also alleged that Fadugba used another person’s identity to facilitate the transfers into different bank accounts under his control.
The statement read in part, “According to the indictment, beginning on October 30, 2020, and ending no later than July 11, 2023, Fadugba had more than $690,000 of Department of Veterans Affairs funds, intended for reimbursement to a large local healthcare provider, transferred to his personal bank accounts.
“Fadugba then wrote cheques to himself or to businesses associated with him, which were subsequently transferred to other bank accounts under his control. It is alleged that he used the identification of another individual to carry out these transfers.
“The indictment further alleges that Fadugba, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Nigeria, made a false statement under oath during his naturalization proceeding. Fadugba allegedly falsely stated he had not committed any crime or offense for which he had not been arrested.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that the defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.”
Trending
Jude Okoye released after 2 months in jail

Published
16 hours agoon
April 24, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Jude Okoye, elder brother and former manager to the iconic P-square duo has finally regained his freedom after spending over two months behind bars.
The celebration of his release didn’t come quietly, especially from Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, who took to Instagram with a fiery post.
“Jude is finally out after 2months + .. all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother @judeengees. And happy birthday,”
Paul wrote in his Instagram story.
His words appeared to be more than just a welcome note, they carried an undertone of resentment, likely directed at his twin brother, Peter Okoye.

NAF airlifts Airforce students to their destinations across Nigeria

APC CANDIDATES FOR 2025 NIGER STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ELECTION

Kyari brought structure, stability to NNPCL – NDYC
Trending
- Trending6 months ago
NYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
- Business6 months ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
- Politics6 months ago
Mexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
- Entertainment6 months ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
- Entertainment6 months ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
- Politics6 months ago
Russia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
- Politics6 months ago
Putin invites 20 world leaders
- Politics1 year ago
Nigerian Senate passes Bill seeking the establishment of the South East Development Commission.