The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke over his recent claim that his administration has created 250,000 jobs in the past two years.
Governor Adeleke made this assertion on Thursday during the induction of 10,000 youths into the Imole Youth Corps in Osogbo, describing the initiative as part of his government’s broader effort to tackle unemployment.
Governor Adeleke Defends His Administration’s Job Creation Efforts
The Governor credited his administration’s success in job creation to local content policies and financial support for businesses. He emphasized that the Imole Youth Corps initiative engages young people across the 332 political wards in Osun State to provide services in health, security, environment, and education.
“Our administration is committed to tackling unemployment,” Adeleke stated. “We recognize the challenges of widespread joblessness among young people, and our goal is to create an enabling environment where both the government and private sector can generate employment.”
APC Dismisses Job Creation Claims as “Fake”
However, the APC has dismissed the Governor’s claims as false, arguing that his administration has failed to recruit teachers and healthcare workers despite glaring shortages in public schools and hospitals.
The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, ridiculed the announcement, questioning why the government prioritized recruiting youth corps members instead of addressing critical employment gaps in education and healthcare.
“Is it not strange that Governor Adeleke, who has failed to employ teachers and health workers in nearly three years, is suddenly claiming to have created 250,000 jobs?” Olabisi queried.
He also expressed sympathy for applicants who had purchased recruitment forms under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government, only to remain unemployed for years.
“We sympathize with the teachers who were deceived into buying employment forms by the Adeleke administration. They have been waiting for three years, yet there is no sign of recruitment in the state’s education sector,” he added.
Growing Political Tensions Over Job Creation in Osun
The dispute over employment figures highlights the growing political tensions between the ruling PDP government in Osun State and the opposition APC. While Governor Adeleke continues to emphasize his administration’s job creation initiatives, critics argue that his government has neglected critical sectors, leaving essential public services understaffed.
With state elections looming, the debate over Adeleke’s employment claims is likely to remain a key political issue, as both parties seek to win public confidence and support.
