The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting religious harmony and strengthening bilateral relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims, while ensuring equitable treatment of all religious groups in the discharge of its duties.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance during the week when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
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The Minister expressed concern over occasional religious tensions in the country, attributing them largely to a poor understanding of the true essence of religion.
He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to promote religious harmony and prioritise the safety and welfare of all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, irrespective of religious affiliation.
While calling for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Enikanolaiye cited his personal family experience as an example of interfaith harmony.
“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.
“Religion has never been a barrier in my family, and it should not be a cause for division in our national life,” he said.
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The Minister added that religious commitment was ultimately an individual responsibility, noting that every person would be accountable for his or her actions.
“Whatever we do here on earth, we will give account in the hereafter. If your wife is pious and you are not, her piety will not take you to heaven, and vice versa. It is a matter of individual and personal responsibility. Everyone will be judged by his own works,” he said.
Enikanolaiye assured the NCPC of the Ministry’s continued support, stressing that Nigeria’s pilgrimage activities go beyond consular responsibilities to encompass diplomacy and international relations.
“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, Bishop Adegbite thanked the Minister for the warm reception and shared his own interfaith family background, noting that his maternal grandmother was a Muslim and that he still bears a Muslim name.
“Like you mentioned, religion should not be an issue in Nigeria. Many people, especially from the South-West, understand this. My Muslim name is Abdulmaroof, and whenever I visit home in Oyo in my cassock, that is what they call me. Every Ileya, I must provide rams for them,” he said.
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The NCPC Executive Secretary stressed that the Commission’s mandate extends beyond ensuring successful pilgrimages to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He added that President Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to peace, unity and religious harmony in the country.