A Nigerian philanthropist is leveraging his humanitarian work as a political platform, announcing his bid for the governorship of Nasarawa State. Sadiq Saleh Osude, founder of the SOS Foundation, is basing his 2027 campaign on the organization’s record of community development.
Mr. Osude’s campaign strategy is centered on his foundation’s initiatives, which it claims have impacted over 60,000 people. These include providing 60 boreholes for clean water and offering vocational training to 6,000 individuals. The approach highlights a growing trend of individuals using their charitable work as a springboard for political office in Nigeria.
The move comes as Nasarawa State faces significant development challenges. A 2023 study ranked the state’s Human Development Index (HDI) among the lowest in Nigeria. The foundation’s focus on basic infrastructure and skills development, which also includes scholarships for 1,200 students, is being framed by his campaign as a proven model for progress.
Campaigning under the slogan “Service Today, Progress Tomorrow,” Mr. Osude aims to expand these projects across the entire state. His manifesto promises to create over 500,000 jobs and attract foreign investment, using his background as an entrepreneur and advisor with experience in the United Arab Emirates to bolster his political ambitions.
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