Photo: Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State
The Anambra State Government has officially banned the distribution of food, cash, and gifts to street beggars and children in public spaces, especially under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital.
The government also outlawed all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath bridges in Awka, citing concerns over public safety, urban sanitation, and the image of the capital city.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko, said the move aims to maintain order and restore dignity to Awka, which he described as the “face of the state.”
He warned that anyone found violating the new directive will be arrested and prosecuted.
Onuko cautioned content creators, charity groups, and philanthropists against giving food, money, or any form of alms to beggars in public places, stating that such actions, though well-intentioned, encourage street loitering and expose children to danger.
“These acts contribute to the degradation of our capital and put vulnerable children at risk of accidents, abuse, or criminal exploitation,” he said. “They are illegal, and offenders will face legal consequences.”
He advised that all charitable donations be routed through accredited channels such as orphanages, registered NGOs, and care homes, where support can be delivered safely and effectively.
Onuko urged the public to support government efforts to keep Awka clean, safe, and orderly, emphasising that donations should not create public nuisances.
