SOS Foundation: Philanthropist’s Development Work Spurs Political Ambition in Nigeria

The humanitarian efforts of a local foundation are being credited with a potential boost to human development in Nasarawa State, as its founder prepares to run for governor. Sadiq Saleh Osude, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, has announced his candidacy for the 2027 gubernatorial election, basing his campaign on the work of his SOS Foundation.

The foundation’s initiatives, which include providing 60 boreholes, have a direct impact on key indicators of the Human Development Index (HDI). A reliable source of clean water can improve health outcomes and reduce waterborne diseases, thereby increasing life expectancy. Additionally, by reducing the time spent fetching water, it allows people, particularly women and girls, to pursue education and economic activities.

The SOS Foundation has also provided vocational training to 6,000 individuals and scholarships to 1,200 students. This focus on education and skills development is crucial for improving Nasarawa State’s HDI, which was ranked among the lowest in Nigeria in a 2023 study. Vocational training enhances employability and income levels, while scholarships increase access to education, both of which are core components of the HDI calculation.

The man at the heart of these initiatives, Sadiq Osude, is a native of the Keana Local Government Area. His work through the SOS Foundation has touched communities across all 13 local government areas of Nasarawa. His philanthropic efforts, which began in 2015, have earned him a reputation for creating tangible change and have now laid the groundwork for his political aspirations. His campaign, “Service Today, Progress Tomorrow,” aims to scale up these development projects across the entire state.

SOS Foundation: Philanthropist’s Development Work Spurs Political Ambition in Nigeria