… As Delta Leaders Set For Maris Lecture Wednesday
BY SAM DUVWODE
The Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Non-Indigenes and Community Development, Lion Anthony Chukwu, has called for concrete, actionable strategies to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges as the 2026 Maris Annual Public Service Lecture prepares to hold on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The high-profile event, themed around national security, will take place at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, at 12 noon. Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, is expected to deliver the main address on “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.”
In a solidarity message released ahead of the lecture, Lion Chukwu described the theme as exceptionally timely and indispensable for the country’s sustainable development.
“Security remains the bedrock upon which any meaningful national progress is built,” he said. “I applaud the consistency of the Maris platform in fostering this critical high-level discourse. Providing a forum for seasoned experts and stakeholders to proffer solutions to our collective challenges is a vital service to our nation.”
Lion Chukwu particularly commended the calibre of dignitaries expected at the event, which will feature the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as Distinguished Guest of Honour and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, as Guest of Honour. Also, former Delta State Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, will chair the occasion.
Other key figures include Rear Admiral Mike Onah, OON (Father of the Day); Dame Princess Minnie Igbrude (Mother of the Day); and Prof. Kemi Emina (Moderator). A panel of discussants comprising Prof. Hope Eghagha, Sir Mike Ejiofor, Lady Rosemary Ogabu, Warri Ovoke, and Rev. Fr. John Konyeke will also contribute to the conversation.
The Special Assistant expressed confidence that the gathering of top security experts, political leaders, and intellectuals would produce practical recommendations beyond mere rhetoric.
“It is my sincere hope that the deliberations at this year’s lecture will move beyond rhetoric and yield actionable, strategic insights necessary to bolster national security and promote lasting prosperity for all Nigerians,” Chukwu added.
He wished the organisers, the Maris Trust Council, and all participants a successful event, especially thanking Comr Fidelis Egugbo “for the zeal to keep this lecture going every year in Delta State.”
The Maris Annual Public Service Lecture is a yearly platform dedicated to proffering solutions to pressing societal issues. It is traditionally held every Wednesday before Easter Sunday.
