Insecurity: Former Archbishop Of Canterbury To Speak At ABU

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt.Rev. Justin Welby, GCVO, is set to deliver a public lecture on inter-ethnic and religious harmony at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Welby, who served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2013 until his resignation in 2024, will present a lecture titled: “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity.”

The lecture is part of activities marking the university’s 45th Convocation Ceremony.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Public Affairs Directorate of the university made available to The PUNCH, the lecture will hold at 10:00 a.m. at the Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Ahmadu Bello University Governing Council, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, is expected to chair the occasion.

The university said the choice of Welby as guest lecturer reflected its commitment to promoting dialogue on peace, unity, and national cohesion in Nigeria.

“The university considers this lecture timely, given the complex inter-ethnic and religious challenges facing the country,” the statement read. “His Grace’s wealth of experience in peace-building and reconciliation across different parts of the world will greatly enrich national conversations on unity.”

A large number of dignitaries are expected at the event, including former Nigerian leaders, ministers, governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and representatives of various socio-cultural organisations.

Welby was the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, the global body of Anglican churches in communion with the See of Canterbury. During his tenure, he was widely recognised for his advocacy for reconciliation, social justice, and ethical leadership.

Explaining his acceptance of the invitation, the university said Welby views Nigeria as “a critical example of both the challenges and possibilities inherent in managing diversity.”

“He has consistently emphasised that sustainable peace can only be achieved through mutual understanding, justice, and respect for religious and ethnic differences,” the statement added.

As Co-Director of Coventry Cathedral’s International Centre for Reconciliation, Welby worked on conflict resolution initiatives in Africa and the Middle East, often in high-risk environments.

In Nigeria, he played a notable role in 2005 by helping to negotiate a peaceful settlement between Shell Oil Company and the Ogoni people over environmental pollution and human rights concerns.

Welby has also been actively involved in global discussions on ethics and finance. In 2012, he served on the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, advising lawmakers in the aftermath of the LIBOR scandal, which exposed manipulation of global interest rate benchmarks by major banks.

During his time as Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby 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 coronation ceremony reflected Britain’s religious diversity, with Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh members of the House of Lords participating in the presentation of regalia.

The university expressed optimism that the lecture would “stimulate constructive engagement among stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the search for enduring peace and unity in Nigeria.” ENDS.