Despite repeated cautions from the Government to parents and guardians not to permit their children to loiter or hawk, many parents have disregarded this rule. This policy was created to lessen the danger posed by minors lingering on the streets of the state capital.

On May 2, 2023, the State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups carried out a raid along the roads in the state capital, and rounded up several children loitering and hawking during school hours at Fire Service areas, Ikenegbu, Warehouse Junction and 40/40 roundabout.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, who had the opportunity to speak with newsmen after the intervention, urged parents and guardians to join the crusade in eradicating this menace. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Godson Okeoma, who was also present expressed that the intervention was one of the core mandates of the Ministry and they will not relent in carrying out this exercise.

The 3R Government is prepared to take a harder stance on this issue, which could include taking arrested guardians and parents to court. We will not halt in our support of the Ministry in these interventions.

After the raid, the 5ministry invited the parents of the children and gave them all advice on why this policy is essential for their future and to curb delinquency. My office has offered to support some of the families to ensure that the children no longer loiter and hawk along the road when they are to be in school. I remain optimistic that when rules like these are followed, our communities will soon undergo significant changes.

#chiomauzodimma #heimostory

H.E. Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation.