The Bridge Club, a Lagos-based social and networking club has concluded plans to host a conversation on Xenophobia and Pan-Africanism during its end-of-year event in Lagos.
President of the club, Mr AbdulHakeem Mustapha, SAN, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the event would take place on Nov. 12.
Mustapha added that the discussion on the theme, “Xenophobia Contradicts Pan-Africanism”, would be held at the Continental Hotel, Lagos.
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He identified the key speakers as Prof. Patrick Lumumba, a renowned anti-corruption advocate, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
He listed other participants to include Prof. David Aworawo, Head of Department of History and International Studies, University of Lagos; Amb. Godwin Adama, former Consul-General of Nigeria in South Africa; and Prof. Bobby Moroe, Consul-General of South Africa in Nigeria.
He added that Dr Reuben Abati, a columnist and broadcaster, would moderate the discussion.
The president explained that the conversation became necessary following the growing incidence of xenophobia across the continent, demanding urgent attention.
“It is time to bring xenophobia to the forefront of public discourse before it further erodes African unity.
“Our club seeks to bring together diverse perspectives and identify practical solutions to the growing hostility among Africans.
“We stood together in the struggle against colonialism. Having secured our hard-earned independence, we must confront the divisions that now threaten our shared progress,” Mustapha said.
He noted that the club invited distinguished experts to examine the root causes of xenophobic tensions and recommend actionable measures to make Africa a safe haven for all Africans to live, work, and thrive without fear of discrimination.
Mustapha added that recommendations emanating from the symposium would be communicated to relevant governments and regional institutions to drive policy changes and foster true Pan-African unity.
He explained that the club, founded in 2017 by a group of friends from diverse professional backgrounds, provides a platform for dialogue on issues of national and international significance.
He added that the club also examines the implications of domestic and foreign policies on national development and foreign direct investment.
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