Insecurity: Senator Backs Establishment of Religious Affairs Ministry

Lawmaker representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Arch. Lola Ashiru, has called for the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs as a tool for promoting harmony, peace and ethical values among Nigerians.

Ashiru made the call on Saturday in Offa during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Correspondence Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State chapter.

According to him, such a ministry would help regulate religious activities, encourage interfaith harmony and curb negative practices linked to extremism and exploitation.

He said the fundamental purpose of religion was to foster peace, love, equity and harmonious coexistence, stressing that religion was meant to serve humanity rather than dominate or exploit it.

“Religion is supposed to bring harmony among people. The essence of worship is not because God needs our praise, but because religion is meant to shape our values, our conduct and our relationship with one another,” the senator said.

Ashiru expressed concern over the growing “monetisation and commercialisation of religion”, warning that such practices were eroding its positive influence on society.

He observed that religious activities and doctrines dominate daily life in Nigeria, with churches and mosques attracting large followings, particularly on Fridays and Sundays.

He said such reality makes it imperative for the government to pay closer attention to religious practice.

According to him, government support for religious organisations should go beyond physical assistance to include intellectual guidance and policy direction, to ensure that religious teachings promote peace, development and social cohesion.

“It is important for the government to give direction to religious teachings so that religion can truly play its role in developing the people and promoting harmony,” Ashiru said.

He argued that a Ministry of Religious Affairs would be more impactful than some existing institutions, including ministries overseeing chieftaincy affairs, given the central role religion plays in the lives of citizens.

He added that deliberate and sustained engagement between government and religious leaders would contribute significantly to social stability and peaceful coexistence across the country.

The Deputy Senate Leader during the engagement announced his intention to contest for the Kwara governorship seat in the 2027 general elections.

He expressed optimism in winning the election, saying that he has the best of credentials to rule Kwara State.

“I have come into this race. Before now I have not come out to say I will contest, but in sha Allah, I am going to contest because I believe I have the best of credentials to rule Kwara State for the next four years starting in 2027.

“I believe I probably understand the people and the place called Kwara because I have been here longer than any contestant”, he said.

On the Kwara North agitation, Ashiru said, “The best thing is to give everybody a chance to choose the best of leaders.

“I was even saying at that time that I sympathize with the Kwara north because they have been cheated out of power for a very great time, they have a good reason to say it’s their turn but power is not like that.

“It’s not served on a plate, you struggle for it. You present yourself for it.”

Speaking on the recent attack by bandits in Woro, Kaiama local government area of the state, the governorship aspirant called on governments at all levels to strengthen border security through the promotion of shared prosperity among border communities.

He stressed that effective management of border communities would significantly reduce criminal activities.

The Senate Deputy Majority Leader noted that properly secured and economically empowered border areas would serve as a strong deterrent to crime.

“I feel our border links with neighbouring communities must be well managed. The first and most important step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” he said.

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