By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has issued a stern directive banning all forms of public begging, loitering, street trading, and indiscriminate charity acts under the popular Aroma Flyover in Awka, as part of its move to sanitize the capital city and maintain public order in the capital city. The government warned that violators of this new directive risk mass arrest and prosecution.
The directive, which came through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), specifically cautions content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces across the capital city, particularly at the Aroma Junction.
In a public notice signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Hon. Ossy Onuko, the agency lamented that although many of these acts of charity may stem from good intentions, they inadvertently contribute to the continued loitering and clustering of destitute individuals in hazardous locations, such as beneath the Aroma Flyover.
“The Government has keenly observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups, who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate gallivanting of children under the Aroma Flyover by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids,” the statement read.
“As noble and pious as your intentions may be, sadly, they contribute to the defacing of our capital city and endanger the lives of these kids who are at risk of being hit by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, and conscripted into cultism,” it added.
To curb these dangers and restore order, the ACTDA Boss declared such actions illegal, warning that any individual or group caught in the act would be seen as promoting civil disorder and will be prosecuted accordingly.
He further advised that all charitable activities and interventions be channeled through accredited institutions such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where support can be professionally and safely administered to those in need.
“Rather, we urge all charitable acts to be channelled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where support can be professionally administered to those in need or their private homes and spaces that do not constitute a public nuisance,” Hon. Onuko emphasized.
The directive, which though has sparked off mixed reactions among the netizens, has been applauded as part of the state government’s broader vision to maintain the cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic value of the state capital, while also protecting vulnerable children from the dangers associated with street life.
The statement concluded with a rallying call to the general public to join hands with the government in upholding the dignity and sanity of the capital city, which is seen as the face of Anambra State.
