Hamzat Urges Unity Beyond Ethnic, Religious Divides

On August 23, 2023, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat urged Nigerians to foster a national identity that transcends ethnic and religious divisions during the 7th National Discourse of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions. The event, themed 'Nigeria's Political Landscape and The Ethno-Religious Divides', highlighted the dangers of deepening divides, which threaten national unity.

Hamzat, as the Special Guest of Honour, stated that both Islam and Christianity advocate for love and tolerance, asserting that religion should not be a tool for discrimination. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to maintain their identities without allowing them to create conflict.

Other speakers included former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, who called for a focus on leadership based on competence rather than ethnicity or religion. Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who chaired the event, echoed the sentiment that major religions promote love and justice.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Liasu Adele Jinadu, who traced Nigeria's ethno-religious tensions to colonial exploitation of identities.