Sanitising Awka: Anambra Government Outlaws Food Distribution to Beggars, Targets Street Loitering

 

Anambra State Moves to Restore Order, Bans Public Charity and Street Begging in Awka

In a decisive effort to reassert public order and reshape the image of Awka, the Anambra State Government has announced a sweeping ban on all forms of public begging and the distribution of food or other charitable items to beggars in public spaces, with a particular focus on the Aroma Bridge and other hotspots in the state capital.

The new directive, made public through a statement issued by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko, signals the government's intent to enforce stricter regulations aimed at restoring dignity and structure to the capital city.

Authorities have long observed the growing congregation of destitute individuals, particularly children, under bridges and along key roadways in Awka. The government now argues that these scenes are not only damaging to the aesthetic and symbolic image of the capital but also pose significant safety and security concerns.

Onuko expressed alarm at the role of well-meaning individuals and groups who, through public charity events, have inadvertently created a system that encourages street begging and loitering. “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,” he said.

He pointed out the dangers street children are exposed to in these locations, including road accidents, physical abuse, and the risk of being recruited into criminal activities. These risks, he noted, have escalated over time due to the increased presence and activity of informal charity efforts at these public locations.

The government’s new approach includes a zero-tolerance policy for those who defy the ban. Onuko emphasized that individuals or groups who continue to hand out food or cash to street beggars in public places would be arrested and prosecuted for promoting public disorder. “Such actions are illegal,” he warned, “and we hereby caution that anyone found engaging in them will face legal action.”

This move also directly addresses the activities of content creators and social media influencers who often use these charitable gestures as material for videos and online engagement. The government insists that while these efforts may garner online praise, they contribute negatively to public safety and city management.

Rather than engaging in unregulated acts of charity, the state now advises individuals and organisations to partner with accredited institutions. These include registered non-governmental organisations, orphanages, and care homes, where donations and support can be administered in a professional, secure, and dignified manner.

“We urge our people to channel their goodwill through appropriate structures,” Onuko said. “Donations can also be directed to private homes and spaces that do not pose a public nuisance or compromise safety.”

Residents of Awka and other parts of the state are being called upon to collaborate with the government’s efforts to maintain a capital city that reflects the values and aspirations of Anambra. This directive is seen as part of a broader push by the Soludo administration to enhance urban order and reduce the number of vulnerable persons exposed to street life.

While the announcement has already stirred public debate, especially among charitable groups and activists, the government appears committed to enforcing the new policy rigorously. Observers believe the move could prompt a rethinking of how philanthropy is practised in public spaces, balancing compassion with the need for regulated and sustainable social interventions.

Whether this policy leads to long-term improvements in the quality of life for vulnerable populations remains to be seen. However, it marks a clear stance by the state leadership that preserving public order and safety now takes precedence over informal acts of goodwill conducted on the streets.