Renowned Kenyan anti-corruption advocate, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, are expected to headline discussions on xenophobia and African unity at an upcoming event in Lagos.
The discussion, themed “Xenophobia Contradicts Pan-Africanism,” will form part of the Grand End-of-Year Event of The Bridge Club of Lagos, scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.
The event is expected to bring together diplomats, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the growing hostility towards African nationals in different parts of the continent and its implications for regional cooperation.
Other participants expected at the gathering include Professor David Aworawo, Head of the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Lagos, and Ambassador Godwin Adakole Adama, former Consul-General of Nigeria in South Africa.
The South African Consul-General in Nigeria, Professor Bobby J. Moroe, is also expected to participate in the discussions.
Veteran journalist, columnist and broadcaster, Dr Reuben Abati, will moderate the session.
The President of The Bridge Club of Lagos, A.U. Mustapha, SAN, said the increasing incidence of xenophobia required urgent attention to prevent further damage to relationships among African countries.
He said the club organised the discussion to bring together people with different professional and diplomatic experiences to examine the causes of hostility among Africans and identify practical solutions.
According to Mustapha, Africa’s historical struggle against colonialism demonstrated the importance of solidarity among its people, making it necessary for the continent to address divisions threatening its collective progress.
He explained that the discussions would examine the economic, social and political factors responsible for xenophobic attitudes and violence across African countries.
Mustapha added that recommendations from the engagement would be communicated to relevant governments and institutions to encourage meaningful action.
He stressed that Africans should be able to live, work and contribute to the development of other African countries without fear of discrimination, intimidation or hostility.
The club president also called for an end to violence, looting, discrimination and hatred, urging African leaders and citizens to renew their commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism.
Founded in Lagos in 2017 by professionals from different backgrounds, The Bridge Club of Lagos provides a platform for discussions on national and international issues.
Through its annual gathering, the organisation examines the effects of domestic and foreign policies on Nigeria, while promoting conversations on national development, international relations and foreign direct investment.
The forthcoming engagement comes amid continuing concerns over xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in parts of Africa, particularly South Africa, where Nigerians and other African migrants have previously been victims of violence and discrimination.
The organisers said the event would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening African solidarity and promoting peaceful coexistence across the continent.
ALSO READ:https://vistaonenews.com/2026/11/06/fresh-hurdle-for-atiku-adc/
Leave a comment