Former Archbishop Of Canterbury To Speak At ABU On Inter-Ethnic, Religious Harmony

A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will speak on inter-ethnic and religious harmony at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria public lecture on January 29.

A statement issued yesterday by the ABU Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, explained that the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Revd. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, GCVO, will speak on inter-ethnic and religious harmony at a public lecture billed to be held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on Thursday, 29th January, 2026.

Welby, who was the leader of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, was the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 2013 until his resignation in 2024.

The statement said the lecture titled “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity” was part of the activities lined up for the university’s 45th Convocation Ceremony.

The public lecture will take place at Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Samaru – Zaria.

According to the statement, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council Mahmud Yayale Ahmed,  will chair the occasion.

“A good number of dignitaries from all walks of life are expected to attend the one-day lecture.

They include, among others, former Nigerian leaders, ministers, governors, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, and socio-cultural organisations”

The statement added, “The Christian leader accepted the university’s invitation to present the lecture as part of his contribution to the important dialogue on peace building and national cohesion.

“As a Co-Director of Coventry Cathedral’s International Centre for Reconciliation, Right Reverend Justin worked with Anglican missions aimed at resolving conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, often under the threat of violence”

“For example, in 2005, he helped negotiate a peaceful settlement between Shell Oil Company and the Ogoni people of Nigeria amid claims that Shell had polluted local groundwater and had conspired with the Nigerian army to suppress protests violently.

“He has continued to work on reconciliation issues overseas and to write on ethical and financial matters.

“In 2012, he served on the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, advising lawmakers on matters of corporate ethics.

“That same year, Right Reverend Justin Welby assisted in the investigation of banking standards in the wake of the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) scandal, in which it was revealed that major British banks had manipulated a key benchmark for interest rates worldwide.

As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby officiated at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022.

“On May 6, 2023, he presided over the coronation of King Charles III. In recognition of the UK’s diverse communities, the presentation of the regalia was done by Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh members of the House of Lords,” the statement stated.