Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday said his administration would return missionary schools in the state to their original owners as part of efforts to deepen collaboration with faith-based organisations.
Abiodun disclosed this while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The envoy was accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other church leaders.
Speaking during the meeting, the governor acknowledged the contributions of religious bodies to education and healthcare, noting that government alone could not drive development without support from 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.
Abiodun described Ogun State as a model of religious harmony and an emerging destination for religious tourism, adding that faith-based organisations had continued to play a major role in promoting peace and development.
He said, “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.”
The governor also attributed the successes of his administration to the support and prayers of religious leaders, while congratulating the Papal Nuncio on his appointment.
“Do not doubt that you will do well in your chosen path, and this visit will benefit both the Church and the state,” he added.
Earlier, Crotty commended the governor for fostering religious harmony and creating an enabling environment for the Church to operate 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,” he said.
He urged the state government to sustain its collaboration with the Church, particularly in the education and health sectors, where both institutions share common goals.
Crotty also lauded the move to return missionary schools to their original owners, expressing optimism that Catholic schools in the dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta would benefit from the initiative.
“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,” he added.
