The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has called for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, reaffirming the Federal Government's commitment to the safety, welfare and equal treatment of citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Enikanolaiye also assured the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' continued support in promoting the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims and strengthening relations with countries hosting them.
The Minister gave the assurance when the Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued at the weekend by the Minister's Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, Elesho Richard, Enikanolaiye said the Ministry remained committed to deepening bilateral relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims while ensuring fairness and equity in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He expressed concern over occasional religious tensions in the country, attributing such divisions to what he described as a misunderstanding of the true essence of religion.
The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, while prioritising the safety and welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Drawing from his personal experience, Enikanolaiye said religion had never been a source of division within his family, despite differences in religious affiliation.
According to him, he is a Muslim while his wife is a Christian and a pastor, noting that their relationship had demonstrated that religious differences should not be allowed to divide Nigerians.
He stressed that faith and accountability were matters of individual responsibility, adding that every person would ultimately be judged based on his or her actions.
Enikanolaiye further assured the NCPC of the Ministry's readiness to support its programmes and activities, describing pilgrimage as an important aspect of Nigeria's diplomatic engagement.
“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,” the Minister said.
Earlier, Bishop Adegbite commended Enikanolaiye for the warm reception and also shared his personal experience of interfaith family ties.
The NCPC Executive Secretary said his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and disclosed that he still bears the Muslim name, Abdulmaroof.
He noted that religious differences should not be a source of conflict in Nigeria, particularly given the long history of interfaith relationships and coexistence among many Nigerian families.
Adegbite added that the mandate of the NCPC goes beyond organising successful pilgrimages, stressing that the Commission also has a responsibility to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said President Tinubu had continued to demonstrate commitment to peace, national unity and religious harmony.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NCPC to promoting the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, strengthening diplomatic relations and advancing religious tolerance across the country.