The Ondo State Government has stated that both missionary primary and secondary schools will be returned to their rightful proprietors.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu made the remarks while greeting Anselm Ologunwa, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in his office in Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday.
Mr Akeredolu stated that only the Catholic Church has expressed interest in taking over the state’s schools.
“We have promised that we will return schools to the missionaries and we are keeping to our promise. It is only the Catholic Church that has shown interest.
“Our position is that if you are not interested in taking ownership of your school, don’t discourage others.
“The Catholic Church has requested for two secondary and two primary schools. If you can run your school, come and take it.
“I know about Aquinas College. The progress made there is as a result of the efforts of the old boys association and the Catholic.
“Any of the missionaries that are ready to run their schools should come. Most of us are products of missionary schools,” he said.
The governor stated that spiritual direction and prayers are the most crucial aspects of his administration.
Mr Akeredolu’s support and passion for the organisation were thanked by CAN’s immediate past Chairman, John Oladapo.
“It is my joy to be here today to thank God for your life and the support that I received as CAN chairman, Ondo state.
“You are indeed a father. We appreciate the love and the support that we have enjoyed,” Oladapo said.
Mr Ologunwa, a reverend father, assured the governor of CAN’s support and collaboration in the state in his response.
“We will continue to the governor in his efforts to make the state beautiful and habitable for all through prayers.
“We are here to encourage and pray for you and to entrust you and your team of executives to God Almighty that God may guide your affairs to the greater glory of His Holy name and for the good of humanity.
“We urge you to be spiritually fortified in Christ, find strength and grace through prayer for good stewardship from God whom it has pleased to choose you to serve as Governor of our dear State.
“Your election as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum is a wonderful testimony to your political progress and an opportunity for you to contribute to tackling all worrisome issues.
“These include poverty, violence, illiteracy, youth idleness and their Involvement in crime and violence factors which have greatly retarded our progress, especially in Nigeria,”he said.
Mr Akeredolu stated in November 2021 that the state is willing to return both primary and secondary missionary schools to their original proprietors.
A guarantee that the released colleges would not discriminate against any admission aspirants is one of the prerequisites that interested missionaries must meet.
He did, however, direct religious organizations interested in taking over their schools to seek the appropriate briefings from the state Ministry of Justice.
