By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

In a landmark diplomatic encounter that signals a new era for education and religious partnership in Ogun State, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, paid a high-profile visit to the State Government House on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Nuncio, representing His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at approximately 8:00 am before proceeding to the seat of power in Abeokuta. He was received with full honors by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The two leaders engaged in a closed-door discussion together with the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina and the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese; Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, that touched on social welfare, regional stability, and the moral fabric of the state. Following the meeting, the Nuncio expressed his admiration for the Governor’s administrative strides. He specifically commended the “Gateway State” for the atmosphere of religious liberty that has allowed various faith communities to coexist peacefully. However, the focal point of the visit was a direct appeal from the Vatican representative: the total and unconditional release of mission schools to their original owners.

In a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode and the wider Christian community, Governor Abiodun responded with a firm commitment to restore the heritage of the missionaries. Encouraged by the Nuncio’s commendation, the Governor declared that his administration is prepared to hand back the schools.

“It is not in our mission and policy to do things alone,” Governor Abiodun stated. “We would provide an enabling environment to aid public-private sector partnership. Consequently, we would return all mission schools back to the missionaries.”

The Governor further elaborated that his vision extends beyond just the classroom. He indicated his intention to call on the Church to form deeper partnerships in other critical sectors, leveraging the Church’s historic reputation for discipline and integrity to benefit the broader populace.

The visit concluded on a spiritual note, with the Nuncio offering solemn prayers for the Governor’s cabinet and the people of Ogun State, seeking divine guidance and prosperity for the region.

This diplomatic breakthrough on mission schools sets a hopeful tone for the rest of the Apostolic Visitation, which many are already calling the most significant religious event in the region this decade.