From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Anambra State government has banned begging, loitering, trading, charity activities under the popular Aroma flyover in Awka, the state capital.
The Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency(ACTDA) Ossy Onuko revealed this in a statement.
He said, “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 constantly giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids.
“As noble and pious your intentions may be, sadly, they contribute to the defacing of our capital city and endanger the lives of these children, who are at the risk of being hit by vehicles, abused by unruly adults and conscripted into occultism.
“Henceforth, ACTDA strongly warns all individuals and groups to desist from distributing any form of alms or gifts to the destitute in public spaces.”
Ossy Onuko said that such philanthropic gestures and charitable acts should be channeled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, car homes, and registered Non Governmental Organizations.
He noted by so doing, support to the needy would be professionally administered in such a way that would not constitute public nuisance.
“Henceforth, anyone caught engaging in open distribution of items to destitute in public spaces within the Awka Capital Territory will be deemed to be enabling civil disorder and will be prosecuted in accordance the law,” he asserted.