Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams,’ Sanwo-olu Says To Rescued Street Children

It was an emotional moment for Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu when he heard first-hand stories of boys and girls being rescued from the streets in various parts of Lagos on Tuesday.

When the governor heard heartbreaking stories of young people suffering social exclusion and being forced to live on the streets, he literally grimaced with anxiety.

Some of them are victims of weak parental attachments and broken families. Some were abused and left home, while others went on to survive on the streets after being orphaned. Their hopes were dashed, their dreams dashed. They were an urban nuisance and were seen as a threat before they were rescued.

Victims’ stories are becoming positive through Eko Inspire Me, a project that is solely sponsored by Governor Sanwo-olu.

Currently, about 1,000 Street children are being saved through a social initiative envisioned by Talking Drum artist Araoluwa Olumuyiwa, aka Ara. Urchins will be rehabilitated, given vocational training, and empowered to be responsible citizens.

Sanwo-Olu housed 120 rescued vagrants in the Alausa State Capitol, where the governor assured them of their commitment to full rehabilitation and reintegration into society. He said the project provided victims with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and become useful to themselves. He said his focus is not only on helping victims, but also on restoring and transforming the lives of victims.

He said: “The Eko Inspire Me project being championed by Ara has been making our work a lot easier. This is the effort of someone which God has led to change many people’s stories to positive ones. The minimum we can do as a Government is to lend our support and make life better for the victims. Through this initiative, we have connected with a community of homeless individuals aimlessly roaming the streets.

“Lagos has inspired so many people and elevated them to great positions from their humble beginning on the streets. As victims of social isolation, your stories must not be different. Ara is using her voice and wisdom through this initiative to help you and turn your situation around for good. The least that is required of you is to show your commitment to this effort, which is targeted at changing your situation.”