By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration has recorded unprecedented achievements for the Muslim community in the state, insisting that his accomplishments for the Ummah surpass those of previous administrations.
Speaking during a visit to the umbrella body of the Muslim community in Osogbo on Sunday, Adeleke highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration for Muslims, while challenging the opposition APC candidate to campaign based on the records of his party while in government.
The governor, who was accompanied by top Muslim aides and members of his administration, said Osun had no Hajj camp for 12 years before he assumed office, making it the only state in the South-West without such a facility.
“I am happy to report that my administration is almost completing the Hajj camp to remove the shame on the Ummah. They were in office and did not deem it fit to build the camp for intending pilgrims.
“They were in office and claimed to be true Muslims, yet they did not think of building a mosque at the Government House. My administration is doing that.
“For years, they refused to constitute the Hajj Welfare Board. My administration has not only set up the board, but has also ensured multiple benefits for Muslims embarking on pilgrimage.
“Just recently, Osun became the first state in the South-West to formalise the issuance of Islamic marriage certificates. The scheme is now operational. I have also directed that the process for issuing the certificates should henceforth be domiciled with the Muslim community as the umbrella body for Muslims in Osun State.
“You all know that many of my principal officers and members of my cabinet are Muslims. I ensure that Muslims get their fair share in almost all areas. I have listed all these achievements to show what I have done that they refused to do when they were in office. You can judge who is a true believer by the work of our hands,” Adeleke said.
Corroborating the governor’s position, his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Alhaji Muniru Raji, said Adeleke had delivered extensively for the Muslim Ummah and deserved the support of the community.
“They were in office and neglected the Ummah. We thank Governor Adeleke for implementing several policies and projects that have met the needs and aspirations of Muslims in Osun State. We believe he will do even more if re-elected on August 15,” Raji said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, said the invitation extended to the governor was part of the community’s engagement with governorship candidates to present their programmes and policies.
Olawuyi commended the governor for what he described as his achievements so far and presented additional requests on behalf of the Muslim community, urging him to continue promoting fairness and inclusiveness among adherents of different faiths.
The governor was accompanied by members of the Imole Campaign Council and the Osun State Executive Council.