Lagos Commissioner Warns Celebrities, Influencers Against Supporting Street Urchins.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has urged celebrities, influencers and members of the public to refrain from actions that could encourage the activities of street urchins, popularly known as agberos, in the state.

Wahab made the call on Sunday in a post on X after being tagged in a video documentary highlighting the activities of street urchins in Lagos.

The commissioner said the Lagos State Government had repeatedly apprehended and dislodged street urchins from various locations across the state, but expressed concern that financial support and patronage from some members of the public could undermine such efforts.

According to him, continued financial assistance to the groups could encourage some of them to return to the streets and regard the activity as a means of livelihood.

He also linked such support to concerns over lawlessness, insecurity, street begging and environmental nuisance on Lagos roads.

Wahab, however, acknowledged the responsibility of the state government to maintain safety and order, stressing that public cooperation was also necessary to address the challenge.

He urged residents, celebrities and influencers to avoid actions that could unintentionally encourage activities that undermine public safety and order.

“Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos,” the commissioner said.