The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, will hold its 7th National Discourse on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, starting at 10:00 am. The event aims to address Nigeria's political landscape and ethno-religious divides, drawing high-profile speakers and dignitaries.
Key Speakers and Dignitaries
Former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, will serve as chairman of the occasion. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has been named the keynote speaker. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis are listed as special guests of honour. The Olota of Ota, Aworiland, Oba (Prof.) AbdKabir Obalanlege, will be the Royal Father of the Day.
Lecture and Theme
The discourse is themed 'Nigeria's Political Landscape and the Ethno-Religious Divides.' The lecture, titled 'Interrogating Nigeria's Democracy in the Context of Multiple Diversity,' will be delivered by former Director General of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Prof. Liasu Adele Jinadu. Organisers expect attendees to include government officials, business executives, policymakers, academics, students, and representatives from various interest groups.
Free Medical Check-Up
As part of the programme, the planning committee will run a free medical check-up for attendees, a tradition maintained at previous editions of the discourse. This initiative underscores the association's commitment to community welfare alongside intellectual engagement.
Previous Edition Recall
Legit.ng recalls that the 6th edition of the National Discourse took place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Abuja, under the theme 'Between Patriotism and Self-Preservation.' That event was chaired by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, with the lecture delivered by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, also played a supporting role.
Broader Context: Ethnic Profiling
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that singer Portable spoke out against the growing trend of associating an entire ethnic group with criminal activities, urging Nigerians not to target innocent people based on appearance, language, or manner of dressing. His remarks have sparked wider conversations about insecurity, ethnic profiling, and national unity.
