Catholic priest urges Oyo govt. to return missionary schools to former owners

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

A Dominican Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, on Friday urged Oyo State Government to return the schools taken over from the missionaries to their former owners.

Akinwale stated this during the burial service of the late Rev. Sr. Agnes Hassan in Ibadan.

He described the taking over of the schools, which included St. Theresa’s College and St. Patrick’s School, by government as a great injustice to their former owners.

The priest noted that the late Hassan served God and humanity through her dedicated service in the education sector, especially as a principal at St. Theresa’s College Ibadan.

He enjoined the state government to use the memory of the deceased to return the missionary schools to the church, which would also help to instill morals in the students and youths, as it used to be.

According to him, the return of the schools, taken over by the government many decades ago, will effectively widen the reach of missionary service and restore ethics in the education system.

Akinwale stated that this would also check crimes and benefit everyone, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

He described the late reverend sister as one who lived a devoted life, in preparation for death, urging all Christian faithful to emulate her life of simplicity, like that of Jesus Christ.

“Life is a waiting room; we all wait in it until our final call. She lived each day as if it was her last and she became many things to many people.

“We should all know that it will be our turn one day and, therefore, emulate Christ’s life of simplicity, as His true followers,” Akinwale said.

In her remarks, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that the deceased was a great teacher who was loved by all.

“She was a peaceful person, principal of principals, fantastic and loving; she trained us at St. Theresa’s School to be the women we are today.

“Today, we celebrate her in a special way, as you can see. Even if she had children, she might not have been honoured as we can see today,” she said.

Also, the Chairman of Burial Committee, Mrs Bola Asuni, who was also taught by the late reverend sister, described her as a wonderful teacher who was caring and passionate.

“She was so peaceful, loving and compassionate. She really lived a life worthy of emulation,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) sisters, Rev. Sr. Josephine Enenmo said that the deceased was available to everyone, while her pleasant demeanour endeared her to many.

Enenmo described her as one who had considerable ability and talent as well as a good sense of humor and responsibility.

“She lived as a dedicated disciple of Christ. It was always her wish and prayer to slip quietly into eternal sleep,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Hassan died on May 22 after a brief illness at 87. (NAN)