Ethnicity, Religion Are Two Fault Lines Younger Generation Must Fight To Dismantle – Oshiomhole

According to a report by Daily Trust on Monday, August 24, 2026, Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, has called on Nigerians to work towards eliminating ethnic and religious divisions that continue to affect the country’s political and social development.

He said such divisions weaken the principles of accountability and justice while also standing in the way of efforts to achieve meaningful national progress.

Oshiomhole made the remarks at the 7th National Discourse organised by The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions.

The event, held at the University of Lagos, focused on Nigeria’s political environment and the challenges created by ethnic and religious differences within the country.

The discourse was themed, “Nigeria’s Political Landscape and the Ethno-Religious Divides: Interrogating Nigeria’s Democracy in the Context of Multiple Diversity.”

The gathering provided a platform for discussions on the country’s democratic experience and the influence of its diverse ethnic and religious identities on political participation and governance.

Speaking at the event, Oshiomhole argued that ethnicity should not have a role in determining how a democratic society operates.

According to him, ethnic considerations are frequently used by politicians as a means of avoiding responsibility for their actions and shifting public attention away from shortcomings in governance.

The senator maintained that political leaders could exploit ethnic sentiments to create divisions among citizens, making it difficult for people to demand accountability from those entrusted with public responsibilities.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to look beyond ethnic affiliations and religious identities when assessing political leadership and issues affecting the country.

Oshiomhole also identified ethnicity and religion as two significant divisions that the younger generation must actively work to eliminate.

He said addressing these fault lines would be important to the pursuit of sustainable development, particularly in a country characterised by multiple ethnic groups, religious communities and cultural identities.

“Ethnicity and religion are the two fault lines the younger generation must fight to dismantle,” he said.

COURTESY: AsamaWorld