By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Olamilekan Adeola, has urged voters in Ogun State not to allow religious sentiments influence their choice of leaders, stressing that only competent leadership can promote unity and development in the state.
Adeola noted that Ogun is a multi-religious society and called on residents to embrace religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The senator gave the advice during his third annual Ramadan lecture held in Ilaro on Tuesday.
He explained that the lecture was organised to appreciate God and offer prayers for the nation and the state.
Adeola said that as a devoted Christian, he has consistently supported Islamic causes, including sponsoring more than 100 Muslim faithful for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca every year.
He urged people of all faiths to jettison religious bias when choosing leaders who can move Ogun State towards greater development.
Adeola also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to improve Nigeria’s economy, noting that the unification of exchange rates between the parallel market and the Central Bank of Nigeria reflects steps taken by the administration to strengthen the naira against the dollar.
The senator further appealed to parents in Ogun State not to deny their children quality education, describing young people as the future pride of their families and the state.
He said he is a product of quality education and understands the importance of supporting students to achieve academic success.
According to him, education remains the foundation of every child’s future, which informed his decision to sponsor the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees of 2,000 students in the state.
Adeola stressed that the gesture was not politically motivated, explaining that he had not declared any political ambition and was only fulfilling his responsibility to the people.
He cautioned critics against misinterpreting his efforts.
Also speaking at the lecture, Islamic cleric Sheikh Jamiu Sanusi Ami Olohun advised Adeola to beware of political sycophants who might mislead him from making the right decisions.
While praising the senator for his contributions to the development of Ogun State, the cleric urged him to rely on God rather than human beings in his political journey.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, commended President Tinubu for his determination to reposition Nigeria.
Salako said the reforms initiated by Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State laid the foundation that has made the state one of the most enviable places in the world.
He expressed confidence that the President would continue to implement policies capable of moving Nigeria to greater heights.
The minister also praised Adeola, describing him as a compassionate and religiously tolerant leader committed to development.
