Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced plans to return missionary schools in Ogun State to their original owners as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships in the education sector.
The governor made this known on Friday while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, during a courtesy visit at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The delegation included the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, and the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, among other church officials.
Abiodun acknowledged the longstanding contributions of religious organisations to the education and health sectors, stressing that government alone cannot drive sustainable development without the involvement of private and faith-based institutions.
“We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not 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,” he said.
The governor described Ogun State as a model of religious harmony and a growing hub for religious tourism, noting that faith-based organisations continue to play a vital role in promoting peace and development.
He highlighted the impact of the Catholic Church, particularly in education and healthcare, citing its significant presence both globally and within Nigeria.
According to him, the peaceful coexistence among different religious groups in the state has contributed greatly to its socio-economic growth.
“The services rendered by religious bodies help in achieving peace in the state. 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 added.
He also congratulated Crotty on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen relations between the Church and the state.
In his remarks, Crotty commended the governor for fostering religious harmony and providing a conducive environment for the Church’s activities in Ogun 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,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio urged the state government to sustain collaboration with the Church, especially in the health and education sectors, where both institutions share common development goals.
He also lauded the move to return missionary schools, expressing optimism that Catholic institutions in the dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta would be among those reinstated.
“The Catholic Church is willing to collaborate with the state in strengthening human development, which is central to the mission and social teaching of the Church,” Crotty added.
