The prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria is set to host a significant dialogue on national cohesion, featuring a globally respected figure in peacebuilding. The university has announced that the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Right Reverend Justin Welby, will deliver a special public lecture later this month.
A Lecture for National Cohesion
The lecture is a key event lined up for the institution's 45th Convocation Ceremony. Scheduled for January 29, 2026, it will take place at the Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre on the university's Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria. The event will be chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the ABU Governing Council, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed.
The theme of the lecture is ‘Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity’. This topic is particularly poignant for Nigeria, a nation with rich ethnic and religious diversity. The university expects a high-profile audience, including former Nigerian leaders, ministers, governors, traditional rulers, and representatives from various socio-cultural and religious organisations.
Welby's Profile as a Peacemaker
According to a statement issued by the university's Director of Public Affairs, Awwalu Umar, Welby accepted the invitation as part of his contribution to vital dialogues on peace and unity. His credentials for speaking on such matters are deeply established.
Right Reverend Justin Welby served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2013 to 2024. Beyond his ecclesiastical role, he has a long track record in conflict resolution. He is a Co-Director of Coventry Cathedral’s International Centre for Reconciliation and has worked extensively with Anglican missions to resolve conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, often in dangerous environments.
A notable example of his mediation work occurred in 2005, when he helped negotiate a peaceful settlement between Shell Oil Company and the Ogoni people of Nigeria. This intervention came amid serious allegations of environmental pollution and violent suppression of protests.
A Leader with Diverse Expertise
Welby's influence extends beyond religious and peacebuilding spheres into ethics and finance. In 2012, he served on the UK's Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, advising on corporate ethics. That same year, he assisted in investigating banking standards following the LIBOR scandal, where major banks were found to have manipulated global interest rates.
He has also presided over key national ceremonies in the United Kingdom. He officiated at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022, and presided over the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023. The latter ceremony notably included the presentation of regalia by Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh peers, reflecting a commitment to interfaith recognition.
This lecture at ABU represents a major intellectual event for the academic community and the Nigerian public. It offers a platform to explore practical pathways towards harmony, drawing from the extensive international experience of one of the world's foremost religious and ethical leaders.
