For those asking what the Osun State governor has achieved since taking office a couple of months ago this is one of his notable moves.

In addition, he has embarked on an agric scheme with the partnership with farmers to cultivate 30,00 hectares across Osun State, and is engaging the help of IITA in Ibadan.

The decision by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to employ 20,000 youths under the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme, has earned him an award of recognition in the United Kingdom.

The governor, on Thursday in London, was awarded Leadership Recognition for Youth Empowerment at a ceremony organised by the United Kingdom chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, chairman of the chapter, Dr. Ayodele Owoade, said the employment of 20,000 youths at once in a state that had been rendered prostrate by inept administration of the Peoples Democratic Party had given enough indication of the readiness of the administration to restore hopes of the people.

“It is a record-breaking achievement; employing 20000 youths in one go. This feat has never been achieved by any government anywhere in Africa before now. Aregbesola has restored hope and self-esteem to these youths who now walk about with a lot more swagger.

In his speech, Ogbeni Aregbesola thanked ACN UK for honouring him. He also praised the chapter for its contribution in internationalising the struggle during Obasanjo’s 3rd term agenda as well as championing the cause for electoral reforms.

Promising the people of Osun State greater more goodies, the governor said, “This is just the beginning as we are poised to show our people that leadership is all about service. And people must also realise that in them really the power resides. Without the people, leadership has no meaning. It is for that reason that we in the new administration have promised that we shall not let them down.”

Dignitaries present included Cardinal Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), Senator-elect Jide Omoworare, Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Mr. Dele Alake, Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye (Commissioner for Local Govt Lagos State), Mr. Toyin Hamsat (Special Adviser on Health Lagos State), Prince Ghasali Adeyemi (Chairman, Ghazal Holiday Inn, Osogbo), as well as the Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen from Osogbo, Olorunda, Ilesa-West, Iwo and Ede South.

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