Eghagha, Irabor, Others Set Agenda on National Security at Maris Lecture 2026

Renowned literary scholar and public intellectual, Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha, has been named as a discussant at the 2026 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture.
The disclosure was made by Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, Secretary of the Maris Trust Council (MTC), in a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba.
According to the statement, Professor Eghagha, a respected columnist with The Guardian Newspaper, will contribute to discussions on the lecture theme, “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.” The keynote address will be delivered by Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Dele Ezeoba, will serve as Chairman of the occasion, while a former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, will also participate as a discussant. The lecture will be moderated by Kemi Emina.
Egugbo explained that Professor Eghagha’s selection was informed by his long-standing reputation as a social critic, accomplished academic and playwright, as well as his personal experience with insecurity in Nigeria. He noted that the 2026 edition, described in some circles as a “security summit ahead of the 2027 general elections,” is expected to advance the lecture’s core objective of identifying critical societal challenges and proposing practical solutions.
The Maris Annual Public Service Lecture is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by 12 noon, at the Unity Hall, Government House Asaba. Attendance is open to the public, with no special invitation required.
The organisers expressed appreciation to Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, for approving the use of the venue and for his continued commitment to peace, infrastructure development and democratic governance.
The statement further highlighted Asaba’s accessibility by road, rail, river and air, as well as its hospitality and tourism attractions, assuring visitors of a safe and welcoming environment.
For sponsorship and further enquiries, interested members of the public were advised to contact the organisers through the Maris Trust Council secretariat.