Ekiti State Government on Monday returned Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, to the Anglican Communion in fulfilment of present administration’s pledge to return all mission schools to their original owners.
The ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office, was witnessed by the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Revd. Christopher Omotunde, church leaders, and representatives of the Alumni Association of the school.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Anglican Communion said the handing over of Christ’s School would provide a template for subsequent release of other schools whose owners had indicated interest.
Fayemi stated that the return of mission schools would help in building a future generation of individuals with values and morals, while alleviating government’s financial burden.
“What we are witnessing today is a culmination of a process which began during our first term in office to return schools belonging to Mission bodies to their original owners, and I am delighted that the final consummation of the release of Christ’s School has been achieved.
”Ours will not be the first time such a consummation will take place between governments and missionary bodies, other states like Anambra, Lagos and Enugu had done similarly in the past,” he stated further.
In his remarks, Rt. Revd Christopher Omotunde hailed the government’s decision and commended the governor for making good his promise.
“You initiated the idea of returning mission schools to their original owners during your first term in office. We are happy that you are here today fulfilling that promise with the return of Christ’s School to the Anglican Church.
Omotunde also promised that the Communion would maintain the national standard set by the 86-year-old school.
Dr Odunayo Fagbeyiro who represented Christ’s School Alumni and Bishop Omotunde signed the MoU on behalf of the Anglican Communion, while the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and the State Attorney General, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, signed on behalf of the State Government.