Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration would return all Missionary Schools back to their original owners.

Governor Abiodun made the disclosure, when he received the Apostolic Nucio to Nigeria, Most Rev'd Michael Crotty, accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev'd Francis Adesina, Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Most Rev'd Peter Odetoyinbo and other Catholic officials who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, who acknowledged the contributions of religious bodies in education and health sectors, said the government could not do it alone, hence the need for private sector’s participation.

   "We will return all missionary schools back to their owners. It is not in our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with the private people and we encourage further partnership with the church to expand development," he said.

The Governor described the State as the religion tourism destination that plays host to all religious organisations, maintaining that the Catholic Church with the population of about 1.2 billion in the world, 34 million in Nigeria and 1.2 million in the State, had impacted the nation and State positively through education and health.

He noted the religious harmony in the State where people of different religious inclination co-existence without problems, emphasising that this had contributed to the economic development being enjoyed in the State.

"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 are duly appreciated," the Governor stated.

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

Earlier speaking, Most Rev'd Crotty, thanked the Governor for actively promoting religious and freedom among the adherents of the different religions in this 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.

He appreciated the Governor for putting in place the process of returning schools to their original owners, expressing the hope that Catholic Schools, especially those in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta, could be returned.