Written by Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
Rt. Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, GCVO, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has cautioned against acts that would jeopardize Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged that Nigerians themselves decide the country’s future.
At Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Welby gave the comments at a public lecture at the Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre on the school’s Main Campus in Samaru. The occasion was one of the events commemorating the 45th Convocation Ceremony at ABU.
The talk, “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity,” emphasized the significance of leadership, faith, and values in resolving the nation’s enduring conflicts.
Welby emphasized that protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty is a shared role of leaders in the political, economic, social, spiritual, legal, and traditional domains rather than just the government.
He stated that among many other requirements, “that means those in political, economic, spiritual, social, legal, traditional, and other leadership roles must be willing to take responsibility for guarding the sovereignty of Nigeria.”
Welby pointed out that true interethnic and religious harmony necessitates openly facing the country’s shortcomings, asking for help when needed, and communicating with the world community in a clear and purposeful manner. He cautioned that unless national unity initiatives were grounded in history and represented Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and international forces, they would be nothing more than “vain dreams.”
In order to achieve a cohesive and sovereign Nigeria, the former Anglican primate emphasized four important themes in his lecture: the foundations of interfaith and ethnic harmony, national unity, and the global environment. He emphasized that competent leadership and shared ideals are essential.
