Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has signaled plans to return missionary schools in the state to their original faith-based owners, in what is being described as a renewed push to deepen collaboration between government and religious institutions in the education sector.
Abiodun made the disclosure on Friday while hosting the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, who visited him at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside Catholic bishops from Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta dioceses and other church leaders.
The governor said the decision formed part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with faith-based organisations, particularly in education and healthcare delivery, arguing that government cannot shoulder development responsibilities alone.
He stressed that religious bodies have historically played a major role in human capital development, describing their contributions as vital to sustaining quality education and social services across the state.
Abiodun also highlighted Ogun State’s religious diversity and long-standing harmony among faith groups, noting that such stability has contributed significantly to development and social cohesion.
According to him, faith-based organisations continue to enjoy public trust and remain critical stakeholders in governance and service delivery.
“The services rendered by religious bodies help in achieving peace and development. We recognise their contributions and we are committed to working more closely with them,” he said.
The governor further expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration would enhance educational standards and expand access to quality healthcare across the state.
He also used the occasion to commend Archbishop Crotty on his appointment as Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, assuring him of the state’s continued support for church activities.
In his remarks, Archbishop Crotty praised the Abiodun administration for fostering religious harmony and creating an enabling environment for the Catholic Church and other faith-based organisations to operate.
He welcomed the governor’s decision to return missionary schools, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening educational development and restoring institutional partnerships.
The envoy also called for sustained collaboration between the state and the Church, particularly in education and healthcare, where both parties have shared long-standing interests.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would further enhance human development outcomes in Ogun State.
The Catholic bishops present at the meeting also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the state government to improve service delivery in key sectors.
Caption: L–R: Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo; Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday.
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