A Nigerian philanthropist and entrepreneur, Sadiq Saleh Osude, has announced his intention to contest the governorship of Nasarawa State in 2027, making the humanitarian work of his foundation the centrepiece of his campaign.

Mr. Osude, founder of the SOS Foundation, is banking on his record of community development to win public support. According to the foundation, its initiatives have directly impacted over 60,000 beneficiaries across all 13 local government areas of the state. These efforts, which began in 2015, include providing 60 boreholes for clean water and offering vocational training to 6,000 people.

Analysts suggest that a strong focus on basic infrastructure and skills development could significantly boost the state’s Human Development Index (HDI), which was ranked among the lowest in Nigeria in a 2023 study.

The foundation’s work in providing scholarships to 1,200 students is also seen as a crucial step toward improving education and economic opportunities.

Mr. Osude, a native of the Keana Local Government Area, is campaigning on the slogan “Service Today, Progress Tomorrow.”

His manifesto aims to scale up these projects statewide, with promises to create more than 500,000 jobs and attract foreign investment to the region. He believes his background as a strategic advisor and entrepreneur, with experience in the UAE, positions him to lead this transformation.