Adeleke seeks Muslims’ prayers as campaign begins, unveils upgraded five‑point agenda

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, appealed to Muslims in the state to pray for his re‑election as campaigning for the August 15 governorship election formally began.

Speaking at the Government House while hosting the Ansar‑U‑Deen Muslim Society, Adeleke said the delegation’s visit coincided with March 11 — the day the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) flagged off campaigning — and asked for the society’s support for a free and fair poll.

“I commend the society for the huge sacrifice you made by cooperating with the government for development to thrive in our community. I recognise your concessions and contributions. We will not take it for granted,” Adeleke said.

He announced an upgraded five‑point agenda that will form the basis of his re‑election campaign, saying full details would be released during campaign activities across the state.

He said the agenda will include integrated youth, women’s and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for citizens’ social and economic wellbeing; agro‑industrial expansion for human development and collective prosperity; affordable, qualitative health and education access; and an improved and secured business environment for job creation.

The governor also pledged government support for a new mosque project that the society is planning. He directed the Commissioner for Home Affairs to liaise with the society to explore ways of partnering to make the project a reality.

Akande Hafiz, state secretary of Ansar‑U‑Deen, told Adeleke that the ongoing dualisation road project in Iwoland has damaged the Ansar‑U‑Deen Central Mosque, forcing worshippers to use a smaller nearby facility.

He said the society has acquired land for a new mosque and was seeking the governor’s approval and support before commencing construction.

Appealing to the governor to assist the society, Hafiz said, “We have been managing to pray elsewhere, as the mosque is severely damaged and cannot be used for prayer due to safety concerns.”

Adeleke said his administration will work with the society on the mosque project and thanked members for their cooperation in the state’s development.