Senator Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, has called on electorates in Ogun State to reject religious sentiments when choosing leaders, stressing that unity, development, and good governance should guide their decisions.
The senator made the appeal during his 3rd annual Ramadan lecture held at Ilaro on Tuesday, an event he said was organized to offer thanks to God and prayers for the peace, stability, and progress of Ogun State and Nigeria.
Highlighting the multi-religious composition of the state, Adeola urged residents to embrace tolerance and coexist peacefully across faiths. “Ogun State is home to people of diverse religious beliefs. We must respect one another and focus on selecting leaders who will promote the overall welfare and development of our communities,” he said.
As a devoted Christian, Adeola noted his continued support for Islamic initiatives, including sponsoring over 100 Muslim faithful for the annual Holy Pilgrimage in Mecca.
He encouraged citizens of all faiths to rise above religious biases and choose candidates based on competence, integrity, and their ability to drive Ogun State toward prosperity.
The senator also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic policies, pointing to the unification of exchange rates between the black market and the Central Bank of Nigeria as a bold step toward strengthening the naira and stabilizing the national economy. He described the reforms as indicative of the administration’s commitment to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Education, Adeola emphasized, remains a cornerstone of the state’s future. He appealed to parents not to deny their children access to quality learning, describing students as the pride and hope of their families and the state. Drawing from his personal experience as a beneficiary of quality education, the senator explained his decision to pay the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for 2,000 students across Ogun State.
He clarified that the initiative was not politically motivated, noting that he had not declared any political ambition but was fulfilling his responsibility to his people.
Speaking at the event, Islamic cleric Sheikh Jamiu Sanusi Ami Olohun commended Adeola for his contributions to Ogun State’s development.
He advised the senator to be wary of political sycophants who may attempt to influence his decisions, stressing the importance of relying on divine guidance rather than human persuasion in his political journey.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also lauded Adeola’s religious tolerance and dedication to public service.
He praised President Tinubu for laying a strong developmental foundation during his tenure as Lagos State governor, which he said has positioned the state as a model for governance in Nigeria. Salako expressed confidence that Tinubu’s policies would continue to drive national growth and development.
The annual Ramadan lecture, now in its third year, has become a platform for promoting interfaith dialogue, civic responsibility, and youth empowerment, reinforcing Adeola’s commitment to both spiritual and social development in Ogun State.
