By Monsuru Olowoopejo

No  fewer than 31 Niger Republic destitutes were rescued from the streets of Lagos between January and July, 2016 by the Lagos State government. This came as as eight abandoned and lost children were rescued across the state between April and July, 2016.

This was contained in a publication made available by the State government on the activities of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration on youth and social development. The document stated that the 31 Nigeriens were reformed at the State Rehabilitation Training Centre, Majidun, Ikorodu Local Government, after the rescue exercise.

After rehabilitation, the publication stated that the “31 rehabilitees of Nigerien origin were released to the Nigerien Embassy for re-integration with family members in Niger (Republic). However, 455 rehabilitees were released to their relations for re-integration into the society.”

It added that at the end of June, 2016, a total of 1, 155 beggars, destitute and mentally challenged persons taken off the streets were rehabilitated at the Lagos State Rehabilitation Training Centre, Majidun, Ikorodu.

During the months under review, the publication stated “35 drug dependent rehabilitees were restored back to their former position of functional ability; and another 17 are presently undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training at the Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre, Isheri axis of the state.

“27 persons with disability are undergoing vocational training at the Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre for People with Disabilities, Owutu, Ikorodu,” the document added.

Eight abandoned babies rescued

It would be recalled that 49 babies were abandoned and lost children were rescued from the street between January and April, 2016.

According to the document released by the state government, “six abandoned babies were rescued across the state and given suitable placement and adequate protection within the period under review. And two lost but found children were rescued off the street in the state.”

The publication further stated: “Four (lost but found) children rescued earlier were reconciled with their families. And 54 children were shown on the Television for public response.”

The document disclosed that 166 cases of child abuse were currently being prosecuted in family courts while 45 fresh cases of Child Abuse were referred to the Mirabel Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja for tests. The publication further stated that 33 approved/registered orphanage homes in the state were supervised to ensure adherence to standards.