News
We’ll Return Missionary Schools To Their Owners – Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration will return missionary schools in the state to their original owners as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships in the education sector.
The governor made this known on Friday while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Michael Francis Crotty, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other church officials.
Abiodun acknowledged the longstanding contributions of religious bodies to the education and health sectors, stressing that government alone cannot drive development without the active involvement of 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.
The governor described Ogun State as a hub of religious harmony and a growing destination for religious tourism, noting that faith-based organisations continue to play a vital role in sustaining peace and development.
He highlighted the impact of the Catholic Church, citing its global population of about 1.2 billion, with an estimated 34 million adherents in Nigeria and about 1.2 million in Ogun State, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
According to him, the peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions in the state has significantly contributed to its socio-economic progress.
“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,” Abiodun added.
While attributing the successes recorded by his administration to the support and prayers of the faithful, the governor congratulated the Papal Nuncio on his appointment, expressing confidence in his capacity to succeed.
“Do not doubt that you will do well in your chosen path, and this visit will benefit both the Church and the state,” he said.
Earlier, Michael Francis Crotty commended the governor for promoting religious harmony and providing a conducive environment for the Church’s activities 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 collaboration with the Church, particularly in the health and education sectors, where both institutions share common goals.
Crotty also lauded the governor for initiating the process of returning schools to their original owners, expressing optimism that Catholic schools—especially those in the dioceses of Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta—would be among those returned.
“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.
FCT minister Nyesom Wike has opened a can of words declaring that all the noise Governor Hope Uzodinma is making is over Senate Presidency.
He disclosed this at ongoing TVC interview today.
READ:
All this noise against the Rainbow Coalition is about the ambition of Governor Hope Uzodinma to be Senate President in 2027 .
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
Idris, a former industrialist and two-term governor of Kogi State, reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In a condolence message, Enikanolaiye commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Kogi State Government and people of the state, as well as his associates across the country.
The minister described the death as “unexpected” and urged Nigerians to draw consolation from the exemplary life Idris lived and the legacies he left behind as a man of peace committed to the good of all.
Enikanolaiye said Idris made significant contributions to business, public service and philanthropy, leaving behind projects that defined his tenure as governor.
He said: “The former industrialist has left very bold footmarks on the sand of time in business, public service, and philanthropy. The greater Lokoja water scheme, the international market, several roads and bridges, State Secretariat phase two, and construction of housing estates across the state, in addition to prompt payment of salaries are some of the legacies that defined his public service.
“He was a very tolerant leader and a voice of unity who saw humanity in all irrespective of creed, class, and tribe.
“For me at a personal and community level, it was the late Governor that put, for the very first time, asphalt on the only road that links my communities from Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in Yagba South East District which made access and movements easier for the people.
“I have been one of the direct beneficiaries of this transformative project. The road is now overdue for rehabilitation.
“This is one death too many. It is particularly sad that his death occurred at a time when his guidance and wealth of experience were highly required in this special general election season. Nigeria will miss him.
“No one can question the Almighty God, the owner of life. I wish the former governor, Al janah fridaus, and the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
The minister prayed for strength for the family to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as the “Mother of the Nation”.
Kalu commended the First Lady for her service to the country, particularly her interventions aimed at empowering women, supporting families and vulnerable citizens, and investing in young Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said Senator Tinubu’s leadership had reflected compassion and brought what he described as a profoundly human face to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also praised her commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria, describing the initiative as symbolic of her vision for the future.
Kalu said: “Your Excellency, your life of service continues to demonstrate that leadership finds its highest expression in compassion. Through your interventions across the states of our federation, particularly your commitment to the empowerment of women, support for families and vulnerable citizens, and investment in the hopes and aspirations of young Nigerians, you have brought a profoundly human face to the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Your remarkable commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria is especially symbolic of your vision for the future. A nation that invests in its libraries invests in the minds of its children”.
The Deputy Speaker further described Senator Tinubu as a source of inspiration to emerging leaders, praising her humility, quiet strength and graciousness in office.
“At 66, we celebrate not only the gift of your life, but the countless lives that have been enriched by your generosity of spirit and commitment to service,” Kalu said.
He prayed for continued strength, sound health and wisdom for the First Lady.
FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s words on marble
Enikanolaiye Mourns ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris
Kalu hails Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Praises Support for Women, Vulnerable Nigerians
-
News15 hours agoUzodinma Wants To Become Senate President But Wike Is Not Supporting Anyone From Southeast – APC Chieftain Reveals
-
Politics15 hours ago‘They Don’t Want Wike To Win’ – Fayose Reveals Five APC Governors Secretly Backing NDC
-
Sports15 hours agoLaLiga: Barcelona Reveal Plan For Messi’s Return
-
Metro15 hours agoWoman Hacks Her Husband To Death After Hearing His Plans For A Second Wife
-
News15 hours agoSix killed, two injured in Kogi road crash
-
Sports15 hours agoRaphinha Hits Second Straight Hat-trick As Barcelona Beat Sevilla