The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s claim of creating 250,000 jobs over the past two years.
The governor made the assertion during the induction of 10,000 youths into the Imole Youth Corps in Osogbo, emphasizing that his administration’s policies, including local content and financial support for businesses, had significantly tackled unemployment in the state.
Adeleke stated, “Our administration is focused on tackling the unemployment crisis. We note the widespread joblessness among the youth. Our first decision is to create an enabling environment for job creation by both the government and the private sector.”
However, the APC has rejected the governor’s claim, calling the job creation figures “fake.” Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, questioned the governor’s priorities, citing the shortage of teachers in public schools and understaffing in hospitals.
“Is it not funny and strange that Governor Ademola Adeleke, who could not employ teachers and health workers for three years in his administration, is now thinking it wise to recruit 10,000 Imole Youth Corps members?” Olabisi remarked.
He also referred to the delayed recruitment of teachers, saying, “Claim of 250,000 job opportunities in two years is a fake story. We sympathize with the applicant-teachers swindled into purchasing employment forms by the PDP-led administration in Osun State, who have been waiting for three years without any indication of recruitment under Adeleke’s government.”
While the debate over job creation continues, the Imole Youth Corps remains a cornerstone of Adeleke’s strategy to engage youth in various sectors, including health, security, environment, and education.