The Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Arch. Lola Ashiru, has proposed the creation of a Ministry of Religious Affairs as a strategic step toward promoting peace, unity and ethical values in Nigeria.
Ashiru made the call on Saturday in Offa while receiving executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, during a courtesy visit.
He said the proposed ministry would help regulate religious activities, strengthen interfaith relations and address harmful practices associated with extremism and exploitation.
According to the lawmaker, the core essence of religion is to promote peace, love, fairness and harmonious coexistence, stressing that religion should serve humanity rather than be used as a tool for domination or personal gain.
“Religion is meant to bring people together. Worship is not because God needs our praise, but because religion is designed to shape our values, behaviour and relationships with one another,” he said.
Ashiru expressed concern over what he described as the growing monetisation and commercialisation of religion, warning that such trends were gradually undermining its positive role in society.
He noted that religious activities significantly influence daily life in Nigeria, with large congregations gathering in churches and mosques, especially on Fridays and Sundays, making it necessary for government to pay closer attention to religious practice.
The senator argued that government engagement with religious bodies should go beyond infrastructural support to include policy guidance and intellectual engagement, to ensure religious teachings align with peacebuilding, development and social cohesion.
“It is important for government to provide direction so that religion can effectively contribute to national development and harmonious coexistence,” he said.
Ashiru added that a Ministry of Religious Affairs would be more impactful than some existing institutions, including ministries handling chieftaincy matters, given the central role religion plays in the lives of Nigerians.
He further stressed that consistent and deliberate engagement between government and religious leaders would enhance social stability and peaceful coexistence across the country.
During the interaction, the Deputy Senate Leader also announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State, expressing confidence in his chances.
“I have decided to join the race. By the grace of God, I will contest because I believe I have the best credentials to lead Kwara State from 2027,” he said, adding that his long-standing connection with the state gives him a deeper understanding of its people.
Commenting on the agitation for power shift to Kwara North, Ashiru said while he sympathised with the zone’s concerns, leadership should be determined through open competition.
“They may feel marginalised, and that feeling is understandable, but power is not handed over on a platter. You must present yourself and work for it,” he said.
On the recent bandit attack in Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area, the governorship aspirant urged governments at all levels to strengthen border security by promoting economic development in border communities.
He noted that properly managed, secured and economically empowered border areas would significantly reduce criminal activities and serve as a strong deterrent to insecurity.
“Our border communities must be well managed. The first and most critical step is to spread prosperity across these areas,” he added.