Almajiri Children Move To Oke-fia As Street Begging Thrives In Osun
The Almajiri system is fast becoming a social menace in Osun State as the new flyover at the popular Oke-fia Junction in Osogbo, the state capital, is now attracting the influx of Almajiri children.
The practice continues to thrive, with many children spotted on Thursday under the new bridge carrying out their activities.
The children were observed moving from one spot to another and engaging motorists to beg for money and food.
One of the beggars, Aminat Baba, revealed that they were deployed to the place by their parents from Sabo area of the state capital.
She disclosed that she makes between two and three thousand naira daily.
When asked why she was not in school, Aminat, a 12-year-old girl who hails from Borno State, expressed hope of convincing his mother to allow her to resume school as soon as possible.
She said, “I live with my sisters and mother in the Sabo area, Osogbo. Our parents took us to this place to continue our business. I have never been to school before but I would like to be in the class one day. I made between ₦2,000 and ₦3,000 on daily basis and give it to my mother.”
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that street begging has significantly increased in the state, particularly among the children and youths.
This was observed across markets, motor parks and events.
This, according to investigation by the medium, is as a result of the economic downturn which is affecting daily lives of children, a factor contributing to the number of out-of-school children in the state.
Speaking on the situation, the Founder/Executive Director of Monsurat Ajoke Foundation (MAF), Monsurat Ibrahim, bemoaned the situation while calling on the state government to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
“The situation has become a threat to the state. The government must now rise up and tackle it. Street begging is spreading across the state capital, particularly among children and youths. The government should set up a task force to address this and take these kids to school,” she said.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
