LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has disclosed that over 1,200 vulnerable individuals, including mentally challenged persons, street children, and destitute individuals, were rescued and rehabilitated from different parts of the state over the past year.
The Commissioner for the Ministry, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, made this known on Tuesday during the ongoing Annual Ministerial Press Briefing commemorating the sixth anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
According to him, the State’s rehabilitation interventions have transformed lives and restored dignity to some of the most marginalized members of society.
He revealed that one of the State Government’s rehabilitation and training centres, located in Majidun, currently accommodates over 1,268 residents undergoing therapy, with 552 individuals already reunited with their families.
“In a particularly heartwarming case, technology played a key role in reuniting a long-lost destitute woman with her family through the LASSRA and NIMC systems,” he said.
Ogunlende further stated that the Ministry runs specialized centres such as the Tajudeen Olusi Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre in Ajah for women recovering from drug abuse, and the Isheri Centre for men undergoing substance rehabilitation—both of which have successfully reintegrated dozens of individuals.
Additionally, the Commissioner announced that the State Government has launched an ambitious proposal to establish a Rehabilitation and Skill Acquisition Centre on Ita-Oko Island.
The centre will target miscreants and street urchins across over 57 identified hotspots, focusing on counselling, empowerment, and vocational training in agriculture, fashion, construction, and other trades.
Highlighting that these initiatives align with the broader THEMES+ Agenda, which underscores the government’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive, and compassionate Lagos, Ogunlende affirmed:“No one is left behind in Lagos. Our mission is to heal, empower, and reintegrate. Every life matters.”
