Ogun State Governor Commits to Returning Missionary Schools to Original Owners
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has made a significant announcement regarding the future of missionary schools within the state. During a courtesy visit from the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, Governor Abiodun disclosed that his administration will return all missionary schools to their original owners as part of a broader strategy to strengthen partnerships in the education sector.
Strengthening Educational Partnerships
The governor emphasized that this policy shift reflects his administration's recognition that government cannot drive development alone. "We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not our policy to do it alone," Abiodun stated during the meeting at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. "We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the Church to expand development."
Abiodun highlighted the longstanding contributions of religious bodies to both education and health sectors, noting that faith-based organizations have played a crucial role in Ogun State's development. The delegation accompanying Archbishop Crotty included prominent church officials such as the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, and the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo.
Religious Harmony and Development
The governor described Ogun State as a hub of religious harmony and a growing destination for religious tourism. He pointed to the peaceful coexistence among different religious groups as a significant contributor to the state's socio-economic progress. "The services rendered by religious bodies help in achieving peace in the state," Abiodun noted. "Our people trust you more than politicians because they believe politicians make promises without fulfilling them."
Abiodun provided specific statistics about the Catholic Church's presence, mentioning its global population of approximately 1.2 billion adherents, with an estimated 34 million in Nigeria and about 1.2 million in Ogun State. He acknowledged the Church's vital role in education and healthcare delivery, attributing his administration's achievements to the support and prayers of the faithful.
Church Response and Collaboration
Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty commended Governor Abiodun for promoting 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," the Papal Nuncio stated.
Crotty welcomed the plan to return schools to their original owners, expressing optimism that Catholic schools—particularly those in the Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta dioceses—would be among those returned. "The Catholic Church is willing to collaborate with the state in strengthening human development, which is central to our mission and social teachings," he added.
The Archbishop urged sustained collaboration between the state government and the Church, especially in health and education sectors where both share common goals. Governor Abiodun concluded by congratulating Archbishop Crotty on his appointment and expressing confidence in his success, stating: "Do not doubt that you will do well in your chosen path, and this visit will benefit both the Church and the state."
