The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, has concluded arrangements for the 7th edition of its National Discourse, scheduled to hold in Lagos.

According to a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Media, Publicity and Digital Mobilization Sub-Committee, Prof. Tunde Akanni, and the Secretary, Tajudeen Balogun, the event will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium (Main Auditorium), University of Lagos, Akoka, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Themed "Nigeria's Political Landscape and the Ethno-Religious Divides," the discourse will bring together eminent personalities from government, academia and the private sector to examine the country's democratic journey and the challenges posed by ethnic and religious divisions

Former Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, will chair the event, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole will deliver the keynote address.

Special Guests of Honour include Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis.

The Olota of Ota, Aworiland, Oba (Prof.) Abdulkabir Obalanlege, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

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.

The organisers said the annual discourse is expected to attract government officials, business leaders, policymakers, academics, professionals, students and members of various interest groups from across the country.

As part of the event, the planning committee will also provide free medical screening for interested participants before the commencement of the programme and throughout the morning session.

The organisers recalled that the previous edition of the National Discourse, held in Abuja on August 10, 2024, was themed "Between Patriotism and Self-Preservation."

It was chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, while the lecture, titled "Dilemma of the Nigerian Youth: Challenges at Home, Uncertainties Abroad," was delivered by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, with support from former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah.