By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka — Despite the ban on street begging in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, the practice continues to thrive, with many youths spotted on Thursday at the popular Aroma Junction carrying out their activities.

The children were observed waiting for individuals who often bring them cooked food, while remaining cautious of officials from the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), who have been chasing them away and threatening arrests.

At the Aroma flyover, one of the beggars, twelve-year-old Munachi Benjamin, revealed that he makes between three and four thousand naira daily.

Munachi, who hails from a neighboring state, expressed hopes of convincing his mother to allow him to resume schooling next year.

He said: “I live with my brother and mother at Amudo, Awka. I dropped out of school because my mother cannot afford to pay for me. I made ₦3,500 on Wednesday, used ₦500 to eat, and gave my mother ₦3,000.”

“I haven’t made much today because officials of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority are pursuing us.”

When reminded that education is free in Anambra State, Munachi disclosed that his mother prefers he continues begging and brings the money home daily. He added that he also earns by carrying goods for people.

Recall that the state government recently banned all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading around flyovers in Awka.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Ossy Onuko, stated that the ban was introduced to maintain the dignity and order of the capital city, which he described as the “face of the state.”

Onuko explained that the directive is part of government efforts to sanitize the capital and maintain public order, warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.

He specifically cautioned content creators and charity groups who pose with beggars against distributing food, cash, or any form of alms to street children and beggars in public spaces.

While acknowledging that some charitable acts are well-intentioned, he expressed concern that they inadvertently encourage continued loitering and the congregation of destitute individuals in unsafe locations.

“The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids,” Onuko stated.

“Although their intentions may be noble, they ultimately contribute to the degradation of the capital city and put the lives of these children at risk.

“Charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered NGOs, where support can be professionally administered to those in need.”

Onuko advised that donations be directed to private homes or designated spaces that do not create public nuisances.

He further warned that these children are exposed to potential dangers, including being struck by vehicles, abused by adults, or even recruited into criminal activities.

“Such actions are illegal, and we hereby warn that any individual or group found engaging in them will be seen as promoting civil disorder and will face legal action,” he concluded.