Sanwo-Olu Backs MUSWEN Endowment Fund, Promises Lagos Presence at November Assembly

Lagos governor pledges support for Muslim body’s institutional development as Prince Olusi urges greater Muslim participation in politics.

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged his administration’s support for the proposed endowment fund of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), while promising a high-powered state government delegation to the organisation’s 11th General Assembly in Ibadan.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurances when he received a MUSWEN delegation, led by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, at Lagos House, Marina, during a courtesy visit ahead of the assembly scheduled for November 15 at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall.

The proposed endowment fund is part of MUSWEN’s efforts to establish sustainable financial support for its programmes, including Islamic education, youth development, welfare initiatives, capacity building for Imams and Islamic scholars, and institutional development.

The governor also commended the organisation’s contributions to interfaith engagement, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, acknowledging the role of religious institutions in promoting unity and supporting nation-building.

On the reactivation of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Sanwo-Olu told the delegation that the interfaith platform was already operational in the state and enjoyed his administration’s support.

He also sought MUSWEN’s backing for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.

L-R: Prince Tajudeen Olusi and MUSWEN, President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, FCS during the visit.

At a separate meeting with the delegation, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, urged Muslims to deepen their understanding of Islamic knowledge and translate the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith into practical contributions across different areas of human endeavour.

Olusi challenged Islamic scholars to take a leading role in advancing religious knowledge, stressing that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only a spiritual leader but also a political leader.

He consequently urged Muslims to take greater interest in politics and participate actively in Nigeria’s democratic process, cautioning against political apathy.

The elder statesman also called on MUSWEN to organise special prayers for peaceful, credible and successful elections, while encouraging Muslims to support the present administration’s efforts towards good governance.

Speaking during the engagements, Oladejo reaffirmed MUSWEN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, mutual respect and nation-building.

He appealed for the participation and support of both leaders at the forthcoming General Assembly, including moral, logistical and material assistance towards its successful hosting.

The gathering is expected to bring together Muslim leaders, Islamic scholars, community representatives and delegates from across the South-West to review the organisation’s activities and determine its future direction.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is expected to attend as Chief Guest of Honour.

L-R (centre): Prince Tajudeen Olusi and MUSWEN, President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, FCS and some members of the MUSWEN delegation.

A major highlight will be the anticipated transition of leadership, with MUSWEN’s current Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, identified as the proposed successor to Oladejo.

The assembly also comes amid the organisation’s efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity and mobilise resources for long-term development projects.

Oladejo briefed his hosts on MUSWEN’s capital projects and its proposed endowment fund, which is intended to provide a sustainable financial foundation for the organisation’s educational, welfare and capacity-building programmes.

He also congratulated Olusi on his 90th birthday, celebrated on October 13, 2026.

Members of the MUSWEN delegation included 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.

Flash News