Lagos Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab Urges Celebrities to Stop Patronising Street Urchins

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has called on celebrities, social media influencers and members of the public to stop actions that could unintentionally encourage the activities of street urchins, popularly referred to as agberos, across Lagos.

Wahab made the appeal on Sunday through a post on X after he was tagged in a video documentary showing the activities of street urchins operating in different parts of the state.

Responding to the video, the commissioner said the Lagos State Government had continued to arrest and remove street urchins from various locations as part of efforts to improve public safety and maintain order.

However, he expressed concern that some of the government’s efforts were being undermined by financial support and patronage from members of the public, including some celebrities and influencers.

According to Wahab, providing money or patronising street urchins could encourage them to return to the streets after enforcement operations. He noted that such support could also create the perception that street activities are a profitable means of making a living and contribute to a growing sense of entitlement.

The commissioner acknowledged that maintaining safety and order remains the responsibility of the government but stressed that the authorities cannot tackle the problem alone.

He urged Lagos residents and visitors to avoid actions that could contribute to lawlessness, insecurity, street begging and environmental disturbances on roads and other public spaces.

Wahab said greater cooperation between the government and the public would be necessary to address the issue effectively and create a safer and more orderly environment across Lagos.

His comments come amid continuing efforts by the Lagos State Government to tackle street-related activities that authorities say pose challenges to traffic management, public safety and the cleanliness of the state’s roads.

The commissioner’s appeal also places attention on the role of public behaviour in the fight against street disorder. While government enforcement remains important, the government believes that reducing financial incentives and public patronage could help prevent street urchins from returning to areas where they have previously been removed.

Wahab urged Lagosians to see the issue as a shared responsibility, stressing that cooperation between residents, businesses, public figures and government agencies is essential to building a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos.