…From Dele Ogunyemi, Ibadan…
Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has explained why his administration has shunned the return of schools to missions, saying that it has become a contentious issue among adherents of both religions.
He stated this while speaking at the enthronement of Rev. Amos Ajiboye as the Diocesan Bishop of Agodi Methodist Cathedral of Light, Ibadan.
The governor said that the return of mission schools had become so contentious that any attempt by government to please one religious could set it against another.
He charged religious organizations to continue to partner with his administration in the establishment of more schools in the state.
Governor Ajimobi said government alone could not shoulder the responsibilities of funding education, stressing that partnering religious organizations would further enhance government’s efforts at improving the standard of education in the state.
He emphasized the need for people in positions of authority to always fulfill their promises to the people and show love to their neighbours in conformity with the religious injunctions.
In his remarks, the Archbishop of Ibadan Methodist Archdiocese, Most Rev. Kehinde Stephen enjoined the governor to intensity efforts in his transformation agenda.
He commended the construction of quality road network and the improved environmental condition of Ibadan, the state capital which he said had continued to attract more investors into the state.
“I was one of those who used to describe Ibadan as the dirtiest city before, but I want to say confidently that since you arrived, the transformation of the environment has been very obvious.
“You have set the pace in areas that we had thought would never be possible. The entire Ibadan is now becoming green and beautiful; people are now coming to invest in Oyo State.
“I want to thank you also for the good road network that is giving the state a new picture under your dynamic administration. You have done well and you will continue to do well. You must continue the work of transformation without fear or favour and be courageous so that this development can continue,” he said.
Earlier in his sermon, the newly-enthroned Bishop, Rev. Ajiboye commended the urban renewal programme of Governor Ajimobi which he noted had transformed the state environmental condition.
He appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to proffer a long term solution to the problem of unemployment and insecurity in the country.