In a decisive move to address the escalating issue of begging in the Niamey region, Brigadier General Abdou Assoumane Harouna, Governor of Niamey, has unveiled a series of proactive measures aimed at eradicating this social menace. The announcement, shared by renowned security analyst and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, has sparked discussions about the potential application of similar strategies in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions where child begging remains rampant.
Niamey’s Plan: A Blueprint for Change
Governor Harouna’s strategy to combat begging in Niamey includes two key initiatives:
Census and Repatriation:
A comprehensive census of beggars will be conducted to identify individuals and repatriate them to their home villages. This approach is aimed at reconnecting individuals with their communities, where they can be reintegrated and provided with necessary support.
Compulsory Work Programs:
For repeat offenders, the Governor has introduced a “compulsory work” program that will involve deployment to farm developments, such as those in Kandagi. Unlike forced labor, this initiative is designed to provide beggars with an opportunity to contribute to the region’s agricultural growth, promoting both self-sufficiency and community development.
Governor Harouna emphasized that these measures are not punitive but rather rehabilitative, offering an alternative to begging while also addressing the economic challenges that drive individuals, particularly children, into this lifestyle.
A Reflection on Nigeria’s Almajiri System
The situation in Niamey draws a stark parallel to the Almajiri system in Nigeria, where thousands of children, mostly in the northern regions, are sent to distant cities to seek Islamic education. However, in reality, many of these children are subjected to harsh conditions, forced into begging for survival, and exposed to various forms of abuse and exploitation. This system, intended to preserve religious and cultural values, has instead trapped countless children in a cycle of poverty and neglect.
The Almajiri phenomenon is not just a social issue; it is a deep-seated crisis that undermines the future of an entire generation. These children, often as young as five, are sent away from their homes, where they endure physical and emotional trauma, deprived of the warmth of a family, education, and a stable environment. They roam the streets, begging for food and money, vulnerable to exploitation and criminal activities.
A Call for Nigerian Governors: Adopt and Adapt Niamey’s Approach
The bold steps taken by Governor Harouna in Niamey should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders. The time has come for Nigeria, particularly the northern states, to take decisive action against the Almajiri system and the pervasive culture of child begging. Just as Niamey’s Governor has recognized the need for structured, community-based solutions, Nigerian governors must also acknowledge their role in safeguarding the future of these children.
Proposed Measures for Nigeria:
Comprehensive Census of Almajiri Children:Conduct a nationwide census of Almajiri children to identify their origins and repatriate them to their communities. This will facilitate their reintegration into society and provide them with the necessary social and educational support.
Alternative Education Programs:
Introduce alternative education programs that combine religious teachings with formal education, ensuring that these children receive a balanced and holistic upbringing. This can be modeled after Niamey’s approach, where work and education are integrated into the community’s agricultural development.
Community Rehabilitation and Support:
Establish community-based rehabilitation centers where Almajiri children can receive counseling, vocational training, and support to transition out of begging. These centers should also work with parents to discourage the practice of sending children away to beg.
Legislative Action: Enforce laws
that prohibit child begging and hold parents and guardians accountable for the welfare of their children. This will require a collaborative effort between government agencies, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of the Almajiri system and the importance of keeping children within a family structure. These campaigns should also promote the value of education and the benefits of alternative livelihood programs.
Governor Abdou Assoumane Harouna’s initiatives in Niamey present a valuable blueprint for tackling the crisis of begging, particularly child begging, in Nigeria. By adopting and adapting these measures, Nigerian governors can begin to dismantle the Almajiri system and protect the rights and future of millions of children. The time for action is now, and the success of these programs in Niamey could pave the way for a brighter, more secure future for Nigeria’s youth.
PIONEER NEWS 