The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the state government to urgently evacuate the destitute from major roads and public places.

The call followed a motion by Babajide Adebayo, representing Ibadan North II, who drew attention to the increasing number of the destitute on road medians, markets and other public spaces, especially within the Ibadan metropolis.

Mr Adebayo acknowledged previous interventions by the state government through the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, but said that more comprehensive action was required to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis.

He warned that the unchecked rise in the destitute on the streets could pose environmental, security and public health risks if not urgently addressed.

“The government should accelerate the evacuation, rehabilitation and possible relocation of destitute persons while also creating pathways for their reintegration into society,” he said

The lawmaker recommended introducing skill-acquisition programmes and educational initiatives to empower affected individuals to become self-reliant and transition out of street life.

“This honourable house takes cognisance of the effects of the destitute occupying major streets, road medians, markets and other public places, constituting public nuisance and environmental concerns in the state,” he said.

The motion was seconded by Olusola Owolabi, representing Ibadan North East II.

Mr Owolabi also described the presence of the destitute in his constituency as both a security threat and an environmental concern. Several lawmakers also supported the motion, including the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin.

In his contribution, Rahman Olorunpoto, representing Oyo East/West state constituency, described the motion as timely and critical.

According to Olorunpoto, the growing presence of the destitute and street urchins on major roads had become an environmental and safety concern.

He called on the state government to take urgent, decisive measures to ensure public roads and spaces remain safe for residents and businesses.

Following deliberations, the assembly resolved and directed the executive arm of government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, to intensify efforts toward evacuating destitutes from major streets and other public locations in the state.

The assembly adjourned plenary until March 24.

(NAN)