By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media360Impact Report
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has urged Nigerians not to allow religious differences to become a source of division, stressing the need for tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Enikanolaiye made the call in Abuja when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Minister said religious harmony remained critical to Nigeria’s peace and stability, expressing concern over tensions sometimes arising from differences in faith.
He attributed some of the conflicts to a lack of proper understanding of the essence of religion and urged Nigerians to respect one another regardless of religious affiliation.
Enikanolaiye pointed to his own family as an example of peaceful interfaith coexistence, noting that he is a Muslim while his wife is a Christian pastor.
According to him, their different religious backgrounds have never prevented them from supporting each other’s faith.
“Although I am a Muslim, my wife is a Christian, in fact a pastor. In those days when we had only one car and there were no mobile phones, I would drive her to church and wait or return to take her home after the service.”
He added: “Religion has never been a barrier in my family and it should not be a cause for division in our national life.”
The Minister also reminded Nigerians that religious accountability is ultimately personal, urging individuals to take responsibility for their actions.
“It is an individual responsibility. Whatever we do here on earth, we will give account in the hereafter,” he said.
Ministry pledges support for Nigerian pilgrims
Enikanolaiye also assured the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ continued support in ensuring safe and successful pilgrimages for Nigerians travelling abroad.
He said the Ministry’s role extends beyond routine consular responsibilities, describing pilgrimage as an important part of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with host countries.
“Be assured of our support at all times. We want to see you succeed. Our work has gone beyond mere consular duties; it is a diplomatic exercise,” he said.
The Minister pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims and work to ensure that Nigerians on pilgrimage receive appropriate protection and treatment while abroad.
NCPC chief backs call for religious harmony
Bishop Stephen Adegbite also called for greater religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.
The NCPC Executive Secretary used his family background to illustrate the long-standing coexistence between Muslims and Christians in parts of Nigeria.
He disclosed that his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and that he still bears the Muslim name, Abdulmaroof.
“Like you mentioned, religion should not be an issue in Nigeria. Many people, especially from the South-West, understand this,” Adegbite said.
He recalled that during visits to his hometown in Oyo State, members of his community continued to address him by his Muslim name even when he appeared in his clerical cassock.
He also noted that during Ileya, he still provides rams for members of his community.
Adegbite stressed that the NCPC’s mandate goes beyond organising Christian pilgrimages, saying the Commission also has a responsibility to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting underscored the need for stronger interfaith understanding as the government continues efforts to promote national cohesion, support Nigerian pilgrims and deepen diplomatic cooperation with countries hosting them.
