RevoltED

Dear @Symply_Tacha , Thank you fo your concern. Advocacy and enforcement cannot be approached with emotion or knee-jerk reactions. They must be guided by law, data, and long-term social responsibility. No one disputes the reality of poverty or the dangers children face on our highways. The presence of minors on major expressways like Lekki–Epe is precisely why intervention is necessary, not why enforcement should be abandoned. Leaving children to dodge speeding vehicles in the name of compassion is not empathy; it is neglect. To start with, Lagos State public schools are tuition free with free payment for their WAEC examination. Also, Lagos has existing free technical colleges, vocational centres, and skills-acquisition programmes across the state, many of which teach trades such as shoemaking, fashion, photography, ICT, and creative arts. Beyond government facilities, community leaders, NGOs, religious bodies, and even elected officials across the State routinely organise free training and empowerment programmes. These interventions may not be perfect, but it is inaccurate to suggest that nothing exists. It may interest you to know that each time these kids are apprehended, they are profiled, some are returned to their parents who mostly are not living in Lagos, while others who are interested in learning skills are giving free admission through the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. However, the role of the government is not to parent recalcitrant children. Dear Tacha, beyond social media and like every other person who have partnered with the state, we would be willing to work with you and others alike to contribute to taken kids like this off the street. Kindly reach out to me or the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development @Mo_ogunlende Thank you! NB Attached are locations of Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centers across the State. Please note that these centers are function and you can check. Cheers! TW