Mr. Benedict Alabi, State of Osun,
Deputy Governor, on Wednesday received an award of excellence as ‘ Africa Agent of Change’ from a Non-governmental Organisation, Africa Project Against Suicide.
The Country Director of the organisation, Pastor Honey Olawale, who led the delegation to the state said Alabi, who is the Chairman of Osun Covid-19 Task Force got the award based on outstanding manner he and his team managed the virus.
He disclosed that the integral criterion for the award was the creativity and strength of leadership deployed by African leaders in the management of coronavirus pandemic on the continent .
Olawale added that over 40 leaders across Africa were shortlisted before settling for Osun Deputy Governor, noting that the record of the state in the quest of flattening the curve of the pandemic is encouraging and commendable.
He said, ” The level of commitment and creativity your team displayed in the course of managing coronavirus in Osun is laudable and exemplary, it is obvious that your leadership of the team is inspiring.
“We recognise your leadership skills and passion to protect your people against the deadly virus, which still ravages the world.
“As you are aware, we are assembling African leaders at Kigali in the second week of November, to discuss recovery strategies in the post Covid-19 pandemic on the continent, and we shall be expecting you to discuss your brilliant idea of how the virus was being managed in your state and your plan for the future”.
Olawale further explained that the award was ratified by the project coordinators from all the 27 participating countries in Africa.
The Deputy Governor, in his reaction thanked the team for the hounour, as he reiterated the resolve of governor Adegboyega Oyetola-led administration to ensure quality life and healthy living for the citizenry.
He commended the Africa Project Against Suicide for being in the forefront of preventing and mitigating against social factors that have been identified as the root causes of suicidal tendencies in Africa, since 2018.
Alabi noted that suicide remains a disturbing public health burden in the continent , as he commended the group for its relentless efforts “to put Africa citizens on alert against the societal menace.
” I am very elated to inform you that the rationale behind your interventions in Africa is directly proportional to the core of our policy statement in the state of Osun, as the government is greatly passionate about the general well being of its citizenry and will stop at nothing to protect their utmost interests through provision of basic necessities”.
