Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Right Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, GCVO, is set to deliver a public lecture on inter-ethnic and religious harmony at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Welby, who served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2013 until his resignation in 2024, will speak on the theme “Building Inter-Ethnic and Religious Harmony in Nigeria: Pathways to National Unity.” The lecture forms part of activities marking the university’s 45th Convocation Ceremony.
The event is scheduled to hold at 10:00am at the Abdullahi Mahadi Conference Centre, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the ABU Governing Council, Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, will chair the occasion.
A wide array of dignitaries is expected at the lecture, including former Nigerian leaders, ministers, governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and representatives of socio-cultural organisations.
Welby, a former leader of the global Anglican Communion, accepted the university’s invitation as part of his longstanding commitment to peacebuilding, reconciliation and national cohesion.
As Co-Director of the International Centre for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral, he was actively involved in conflict resolution efforts in Africa and the Middle East, often in volatile environments.
Notably, in 2005, he played a key role in facilitating dialogue between Shell Oil Company and the Ogoni people of Nigeria over environmental pollution and human rights concerns, contributing to a peaceful engagement process.
Beyond conflict resolution, Welby has written extensively on ethical, economic and financial issues. In 2012, he served on the UK Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards and participated in investigations into the LIBOR scandal, which exposed unethical practices within major British banks.
As Archbishop of Canterbury, Welby officiated at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and presided over the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, a ceremony noted for its interfaith representation, reflecting the diversity of the United Kingdom.
