The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has called on Nigerians to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that religion should never be a source of division in the country.
Enikanolaiye made the call on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
The Minister attributed occasional religious tensions in Nigeria to a poor understanding of the true essence of religion, assuring that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to promote religious harmony and protect the welfare of Nigerians regardless of their faith.
Enikanolaiye used his own family as an example of interfaith harmony, revealing that although he is a Muslim, his wife is a Christian pastor.
He said religious differences had never constituted a barrier in his family, urging Nigerians to embrace the same spirit in their communities and national life.
“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 said.
“Religion has never been a barrier in my family and it should not be a cause for division in our national life.”
The Minister further emphasized that religious and moral responsibilities were personal, noting that every individual would ultimately be accountable for his or her actions.
He also pledged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ continued support for the NCPC, particularly in strengthening relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims.
“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,” Enikanolaiye said.
Earlier, Bishop Adegbite thanked the Minister for the warm reception and expressed support for greater religious harmony in Nigeria.
The NCPC Executive Secretary also shared his own interfaith family background, revealing that his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and that he 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 stressed that the Commission’s mandate goes beyond conducting successful pilgrimages, explaining that it also plays an important role in promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence and understanding among Nigerians.
Adegbite added that President Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to peace, unity and religious harmony in the country.
