Osun Commissioner, Alagbada Bags AYP Award Of Excellence

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Osun state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative and Industries, Hon Ismail Adekunle Alagbada, on Tuesday, was honoured with the 2018 Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence, as African Most Outstanding Person on Administration and Humanitarian Services Development Per-Excellence .

The award which was conferred on him by the African Youth Parliament (AYP) in his office in Osogbo was in recognition of his selfless services to humanity, youth empowerment and support for artisans in the state.

Presenting the award to the commissioner, Rt Hon Bamikole Oladele, the Speaker of AYP, said the gesture was in recognition of Alagbada’s antecedents and pivotal role in the development of Osun state through youth empowerment and textile production and support for artisans.

Oladele said Alagbada track record in public and private life as well as his commitment to the development of Osun through youth empowerment is worthy of commendation.

“By this award, we wish to let you know that the African Youths see you as a role model and we will always stand by you in all your endeavour.”

“In our quest of seeking for outstanding humanitarians, role models, outstanding institution and mentors, we found Hon. Ismail Adekunle Jayeoba Alagbada as an erudite peace builder, experienced man of valuable intellectual prowess, a proven public and private sector leader per excellence”

“Alagbada is a father of all, relentless apostle, an idea team player, a philanthropist numero uno, a critical thinker, renowned Youth emancipator, prudent public servant, community Leader, patriotic Nigerian personality, a peace advocate, hardworking and moral icon worthy of emulation.

“We have come to confer our dear mentor, father, benefactor, Mogul and most amiable patron with the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence.

“However, what seems to be most phenomena about our amiable recipient is his unequalled regards, reception, care and compassion for everyone who comes his way at all times, either seeking assistance, mentorship or unofficial grounds.

“He his always eager to assist, lend a listening her and support, irrespective of whom you are or where you are from.”

He added that the decision to confer the honour was not just the celebration of achievement of his outstanding performance but as a clarion call, not to relent in his efforts towards redefining the standard of humanity and building capacity of Africa.

“African Youth Parliament recently considered the nomination of your personality at a ratification exercise for the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award which was held immediately after the 7th Africa Youth And Students Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.”

“AYP is a continental parliamentary and youth led organization with representatives from the 54 Sovereign Nations in Africa.

“It was founded in 2003 at a meeting convened in Nairobi, Kenya with the major intent to work towards promoting and advocating for youthful solutions to Africa’s developmental challenges. Peace building, equitable distribution of resources, sustainable economic
policies and educational development etc,in Africa.”

AYP Speaker therefore urged other Nigerians especially public office holders to emulate good gesture of Alagbada, saying they should realise that there are critical observation of their efforts and every deed either good or bad has a reward.

Receiving the award, Alagbada expressed delight that his humble contributions to the growth of the society was being recognised, urging them to be an advocate of peace and development of African nations.

Alagbada who dedicated the award to Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the entire people of the state , said the achievement was made possible because of the opportunity given to him by the governor to serve his people.

He said “We will continue to chart a way forward for the people of Osun and I must put it on record that I have been encouraged today by this award to do more for our people.

“I want to reiterate that all these achievement is made possible because of the opportunity given to me by our amiable governor. He has transformed Osun state beyond expectations. Before, Osogbo the state capital was like a glorified local government before the intervention of Governor developmental programmes.”