Enikanolaiye Uses Marriage to Preach Religious Tolerance in Nigeria

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has urged Nigerians to reject religious intolerance, saying his marriage to a Christian pastor demonstrates that differences in faith should not be allowed to divide families or the nation.

Enikanolaiye made the call while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The Minister expressed concern over occasional religious tensions in Nigeria, saying they often arise from a misunderstanding of the true essence of religion.

He said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the welfare and safety of Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Enikanolaiye drew from his personal experience to make his case for interfaith harmony, recalling how he supported his wife’s Christian faith even when they had limited means.

“Although I am a Muslim, my wife is a Christian, in fact a pastor,” he said.

He recalled that when they had only one vehicle and no mobile phones, he would drive his wife to church, wait for her or return later to pick her up 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.

The Minister also stressed that religious accountability was ultimately personal, urging Nigerians not to use faith as a basis for hostility or division.

“Whatever we do here on earth, we will give account in the hereafter,” he said, adding that each individual would be judged according to his or her own deeds.

‘Pilgrimage is more than consular duty’

Beyond the issue of religious tolerance, Enikanolaiye pledged the Ministry’s full support to the NCPC and Nigerian pilgrims travelling abroad.

He said the Ministry’s responsibility towards pilgrims extended beyond providing conventional consular assistance, describing pilgrimage as an important component 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,” he said.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with countries hosting Nigerian pilgrims and ensuring that Nigerians receive appropriate treatment and protection while abroad.

NCPC boss recounts Muslim roots

Bishop Adegbite, in his remarks, also highlighted his own interfaith background, revealing that his maternal grandmother was Muslim and that he still bears the Muslim name Abdulmaroof.

The NCPC executive secretary said religious differences had traditionally not prevented peaceful coexistence in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the South-West.

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

He recalled that whenever he visited his hometown in Oyo State wearing his clerical cassock, members of his community still addressed him by his Muslim name.

“Every Ileya, I must provide rams for them,” he added.

Adegbite said the NCPC’s mandate extends beyond facilitating successful Christian pilgrimages, stressing that the Commission also has a responsibility to contribute to national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He said President Tinubu had continued to demonstrate commitment to peace and religious harmony.

The meeting underscored the government’s emphasis on interfaith tolerance as well as improved diplomatic and welfare arrangements for Nigerians undertaking religious pilgrimages abroad.