Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has defended his administration’s record on the welfare of the Muslim community, declaring that his government’s achievements for the Islamic faithful surpass those of previous administrations in the state.
Speaking on Sunday during an interactive session with the Osun State Muslim Community, the governor highlighted a series of initiatives undertaken by his administration for the Muslim Ummah, while contrasting them with what he described as the neglect of the sector by past governments.
Adeleke said his administration had delivered landmark projects and policies that directly addressed the needs of Muslims in Osun, insisting that the records speak louder than political rhetoric.
Among the achievements listed by the governor was the ongoing construction of the state’s first Hajj Camp, noting that Osun had remained the only South-West state without such a facility before he assumed office.
“For 12 years before we came into office, Osun had no Hajj Camp. Today, I am happy to report that the project is nearing completion to end that long-standing gap,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that his administration is constructing a mosque within the Government House, describing it as another milestone that previous administrations failed to accomplish despite spending years in office.
He further noted that his government reconstituted the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board after years of inactivity and introduced reforms aimed at improving the welfare of intending pilgrims.
Adeleke also highlighted the recent formalisation of the issuance of Islamic marriage certificates in Osun, describing the initiative as the first of its kind in the South-West. He added that he had directed that the process be managed by the Osun State Muslim Community, the umbrella body for Muslims in the state.
The governor said his administration has continued to ensure fair representation of Muslims in government appointments, stressing that many of his principal aides and cabinet members are Muslims.
“I have listed these achievements to demonstrate what this administration has done for the Muslim community, unlike those who had the opportunity to serve but failed to address these issues. The people can judge by our actions,” Adeleke said.
The governor also challenged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election to campaign based on the performance of the previous APC administration, expressing confidence that his own record would stand public scrutiny.
Speaking at the event, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Muniru Raji, commended Adeleke for what he described as unprecedented support for the Muslim community.
According to him, the governor has implemented several policies and projects that have improved the welfare of Muslims across the state, expressing confidence that the administration would do even more if re-elected in the August 15 governorship election.
Earlier, Chairman of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said the meeting formed part of the community’s engagement with governorship candidates to present their programmes and policy directions ahead of the election.
While appreciating the governor for projects executed during his tenure, Olawuyi also presented additional requests on behalf of the Muslim community and urged Adeleke to continue promoting fairness and religious harmony in the state.
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