Ogun returns missionary schools

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that his administration would return all missionary schools to their original owners.

The governor made the disclosure when he received the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev Michael Crotty, accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev Francis Adesina, and his counterpart from Abeokuta, Most Rev Peter Odetoyinbo, as well as other Catholic officials who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, according to a statement on Friday, acknowledged the contributions of religious bodies in the education and health sectors, adding that the government could not do it alone, hence the need for the private sector’s participation.

He stated, “We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not in our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the church to expand development.”

The governor described the state as a religious tourism destination that plays host to all religious organisations, maintaining that the Catholic Church has a population of about 1.2 billion in the world, 34 million in Nigeria and 1.2 million in the state.

He noted the religious harmony in the state where people of different religious inclinations co-exist without problems, emphasising that this had contributed to the economic development being enjoyed by residents.

The services rendered by religious bodies help in achieving peace. Our people believe you more than politicians because they believe politicians make promises without fulfilling them. The role of faith-based organisations is duly appreciated,” Abiodun stated.

While attributing the successes recorded by his administration to the support and prayers of religious faithful, Abiodun congratulated the Papal Nuncio on his well-deserved appointment, saying his experience and background, coupled with his academic attainment, had prepared him for his chosen path.

Also speaking, Most Rev Crotty thanked the governor for actively promoting religious freedom among the adherents of the different religions in the state.

“Your provision of a stable and supportive political environment has significantly enhanced the mission of the Catholic Church in your state, and we are grateful for that.

“I encourage you to continue to collaborate with the church, especially in the health and education sectors. These are the two areas where the mission overlaps to a certain extent with the mission of the state,” he said.

It will be recalled that some missionary schools were returned to their owners during the administration of Gov Gbenga Daniel, but this decision was upturned by his successor, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, who ordered the return of these schools to the government.