Nigeria: Sanwo-Olu, Olusi Back MUSWEN Ahead of Ibadan General Assembly, Endowment Fund Launch

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council, GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, have commended the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, for its contributions to interfaith engagement, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the South-West.

The two leaders also pledged their support for MUSWEN's forthcoming 11th General Assembly, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall, Oyo State.

Their commendations and pledges came during separate courtesy visits by a MUSWEN delegation led by its president, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, as part of efforts to mobilise support and build momentum for the forthcoming assembly.

Governor Sanwo-Olu received the delegation at Lagos House, Marina, where discussions focused on the role of religious institutions in promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding among communities, as well as MUSWEN's activities and preparations for the General Assembly.

The governor acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders to nation-building and commended their partnership with the government in sustaining an inclusive and harmonious society.

He assured the delegation that the Lagos State government would be represented by a high-powered team at the General Assembly.

He also pledged support for MUSWEN's proposed endowment fund, which is expected to provide sustainable financial backing for the organisation's programmes and projects.

On the request for the reactivation of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, Sanwo-Olu explained that the joint Muslim-Christian platform was already functioning in the state and enjoying the active support of his administration.

The governor also solicited MUSWEN's support for President Bola Tinubu's second-term ambition and other All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the delegation had visited Prince Olusi at his office in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where the GAC chairman urged Muslims to deepen research into Islamic knowledge, teachings and practices, particularly the Qur'an and Hadith.

He challenged Islamic scholars to take the lead in promoting a deeper understanding of the religion and ensuring that its teachings were properly applied to all aspects of human endeavour.

Prince Olusi observed that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only a spiritual leader but also a political leader, stressing that Muslims should therefore demonstrate greater interest in politics and take an active role in Nigeria's democratic process.

He cautioned against political apathy, urging Muslims to support the present administration in its efforts to deliver good governance.

The GAC chairman also charged MUSWEN to organise special prayers for peaceful, credible and successful elections in the country, while expressing appreciation to the delegation for the visit.

In his remarks during the two visits, Alhaji Oladejo reaffirmed MUSWEN's commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, mutual respect and nation-building.

He sought the support and participation of both leaders in the forthcoming General Assembly, including their attendance or representation, as well as moral, logistical and material assistance towards the successful hosting of the event.

The MUSWEN president explained that the 11th General Assembly would bring together delegates from across the South-West, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders to review the organisation's activities, renew commitments and chart a strategic direction for the advancement of the Muslim community in the region.

He disclosed that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, would attend as Chief Guest of Honour.

One of the major highlights of the assembly, he added, would be the planned transfer of leadership to the current Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti.

Oladejo also briefed his hosts on MUSWEN's capital projects and plans to establish a sustainable endowment fund to strengthen the organisation's institutional capacity and support its long-term programmes.

He explained that the fund would be dedicated to promoting Islamic education, youth development, welfare programmes for vulnerable members of society, capacity building for Imams and Islamic scholars, as well as institutional development.

The MUSWEN president also congratulated Prince Olusi on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary, wishing him continued good health and many more years of service to humanity.

Members of the delegation included MUSWEN Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti; Deputy President II, Alhaji Thabit 'Wale Sonaike; Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abass; Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy; and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Alhaji Mikail Mumuni, among others.