Adeleke: Religious Leaders Must Pray for Nigeria, Her Leaders as Sultan Visits State

•Gov launches security trust fund  

•Say women are the livewire of national devt

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has emphasised the need for religious leaders across Nigeria to continue to pray for the nation as it navigates the challenges threatening her existence.

Adeleke made this call while hosting the leadership of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN during a courtesy visit on Tuesday evening.

He stressed the need for spiritual leaders from all divides in Nigeria to continue to rally round and work for the unity and progress of the country, stressing that peace was an essential ingredient for national development.

While assuring Muslims the state and Southwest at large,  he said his government would continue to provide an atmosphere conducive for people of all faiths while enjoining them to continue to cohabit with people of other faiths peacefully.

Earlier, President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, who led the delegation to the governor ahead of the 2025 delegate conference holding in the state, described the ummah as the umbrella body for all Muslim communities and councils in all the six states of the Southwest region.

According to him, the governor has proven himself as a good ambassador of Islam through his unwavering commitment to the delivery of good governance to the people of Osun State regardless of religious or political considerations.

In a related development, Adeleke, has. inaugurated the Osun State Security Trust Fund, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to making the state safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, he described the initiative as “a strategic step towards ensuring sustainable security financing” in the state.

“From the first day we assumed office, we made it clear that the security and well-being of our people would remain top priority.

“This Fund will help us strengthen operational capacity, improve response time, and provide modern equipment and logistics for our security agencies,” he said.

Adeleke noted that the Fund, established by law and backed by the State House of Assembly, was designed to provide a steady stream of resources to support security operations and enhance coordination among agencies.

Similarly, Adeleke, at another instance, has described women as the “livewire of national development,” highlighting their ‘indispensable’ role in nation-building, social stability, and economic growth.

The governor made this assertion while receiving the leadership and members of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Osun State Chapter, led by its President, Dr. Rebecca Adeola Ayoola, during a courtesy visit to him at the Exco Lounge of the Governor’s Office complex at the Osun state Government Secretariat.

Ayoola had commended Adeleke for his people-oriented governance, gender-friendly policies, and commitment to improving the welfare of women across Osun State.

She noted that under the present administration, women have continued to enjoy inclusiveness, empowerment opportunities, and greater representation in leadership.

Responding, Adeleke expressed delight at the visit and lauded the NCWS for being one of the most organised and consistent platforms for women’s advocacy in Nigeria.

“Here in Osun, we acknowledge the role you’ve played in supporting government programmes, promoting family values, and giving a voice to women at the grassroots.

“Your organisation represents the strength, resilience, and unity of women in Osun. I urge you to keep that spirit alive,” he said.