Enikanolaiye Seeks Religious Tolerance, Promises More Support for Nigerian Pilgrims

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has called for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Enikanolaiye also pledged stronger support for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and closer diplomatic ties with countries that host them.

He spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, visited him in Abuja.

The minister said religious tensions in the country often arise from a poor understanding of the true purpose of religion.

He stressed that the Federal Government would continue to promote religious harmony and protect the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

Enikanolaiye said the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would treat followers of all faiths fairly in the discharge of its responsibilities.

He urged Nigerians to see religious tolerance as a personal responsibility rather than a government duty alone.

The minister also drew from his family experience to illustrate the possibility of peaceful interfaith relations.

“Although I am a Muslim, my wife is a Christian, in fact a pastor. Religion has never been a barrier in my family and it should not be a cause for division in our national life,” he said.

Enikanolaiye noted that people would ultimately answer for their individual actions and beliefs.

He therefore urged Nigerians to respect one another’s faith while focusing on their personal responsibilities.

The minister assured the NCPC of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ continued backing in carrying out its mandate.

He said the ministry’s involvement in pilgrimage matters extends beyond consular assistance to 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.

Earlier, Adegbite thanked the minister for receiving him and used his own family background to reinforce the message of religious harmony.

The NCPC executive secretary disclosed that his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and that he still bears a Muslim name.

He said his interfaith family background had reinforced his belief that religion should not divide Nigerians.

“Like you mentioned, religion should not be an issue in Nigeria. Many people, especially from the South-West, understand this,” Adegbite said.

He recalled how people in his hometown in Oyo State continue to address him by his Muslim name even when he visits in his clerical attire.

Adegbite also said he regularly provides rams for members of his extended family during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Beyond pilgrimage arrangements, the NCPC boss said the Commission also has a responsibility to promote national unity.

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as a consistent commitment to peace and religious harmony.

Adegbite said stronger cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the NCPC would help improve pilgrims’ experiences while advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests abroad.