By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and ensuring equitable treatment of all religions in the discharge of its duties.
Enikanolaiye stated this 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 also pledged the Ministry’s support for strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad remain a priority of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
He decried occasional religious tensions in the country, attributing them to a poor understanding of the true essence of religion.
Enikanolaiye called for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that religion should not be used as a basis for division.
Citing his family as an example of interfaith harmony, the Minister said his Muslim faith had never been a barrier to his wife, who is a Christian pastor, practicing her religion.
“Religion has never been a barrier in my family and it should not be a cause for division in our national life,” he said.
The Minister further noted that religious practice was an individual responsibility, adding that everyone would ultimately be accountable for their personal actions.
He assured the NCPC of the Ministry’s full cooperation, noting that its role in pilgrimage extends beyond conventional consular responsibilities.
“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, Adegbite thanked the Minister for the warm reception and shared his own interfaith family background, revealing that his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and that he still bears a Muslim name, Abdulmaroof.
The NCPC Executive Secretary stressed that religion should not be a source of division in Nigeria, noting that many Nigerians, particularly in the South-West, have long embraced interfaith relationships and coexistence.
He said the Commission’s mandate goes beyond organizing successful pilgrimages to include promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Adegbite added that President Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to peace and religious harmony in the country.
