The Kwara Government has pledged to put in place a better environment that would be a pride of all residents.

Hajia Rahmat Abaya, the state Commissioner for Social Development and Tourism, made the pledge in Ilorin on Wednesday while speaking at a forum tagged "Betterment of Kwarans is our goal."

Abaya urged individuals and NGOs to partner with the government to move the state forward as the government could not do it alone.

She expressed concern over the increasing number of destitute people and gave assurance that the government take the necessary measures to curb the menace.

"Kwara government is concerned about a healthy environment and efforts will be made to achieve this.

"However, the main worry of the government is the increase in the number of destitute people roaming around the street seeking for alms.

"Government is not pleased with the development; alms begging should not be a thing of pride in our state, she said."

Abaya said that government had standardised the Vocational Centre in the state with a view to rehabilitating the destitute people and making them productive.

The commissioner also admonished youths in the state to avoid being used as thugs to carry out evil acts.(NAN)