Renowned scholar and columnist, Professor Hope Eghagha, will serve as discussant at the 2026 Maris Annual Public Service Lecture.
The announcement was made in Asaba by Fidelis Egugbo, Secretary of the Maris Trust Council.
Eghagha would examine the theme, “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.”
The keynote address would be delivered by Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff.
The event would also feature Dele Ezeoba as Chairman of the Occasion.
Security expert and former DSS director, Mike Ejiofor, would participate as a discussant.
Moderating the session is Kemi Emina, traditional ruler of Ebu Kingdom.
The organisers described the 2026 edition as a “security summit” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They said the lecture aims to identify pressing national challenges and propose workable solutions.
Eghagha’s selection, according to the council, reflects his voice as a social critic and his personal ordeal with kidnapping.
Mike Ejiofor also brings firsthand experience, having survived a kidnapping incident.
The organisers expressed gratitude to Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, for supporting the initiative.
Oborevwori approved the use of Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, for the lecture.
The annual lecture traditionally holds on the Wednesday of Holy Week.
This year’s edition is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 12 noon.
Organisers said the timing allows visitors travelling by road, rail, river, or air to arrive conveniently.
They described Asaba as peaceful and hospitable, with tourism and relaxation spots.
Notable attractions include the Lander Brothers’ Anchorage and the Mungo Park House.
Others are the Marian Babangida Leisure Centre and Film Village.
Attendance is open to the public without invitation cards.
Participants are expected to be properly dressed and prepared for intellectual engagement.
Profile: Scholar, Author, Administrator
Born on September 4, 1959, in Burutu, Eghagha’s academic journey spans several institutions.
He attended Zik Grammar School, Sapele, and Baptist High School, Port Harcourt.
He later studied at the University of Jos and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Lagos in 1994.
During his NYSC in 1982, he served as a producer with the Nigerian Television Authority in Sokoto.
Eghagha is a Professor of English at the University of Lagos.
He previously served as Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education.
In 2012, he was abducted and released after sixteen days in captivity.
The experience inspired his short story, “Your Death Hour is 10 O’Clock.”
A member of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, he writes a weekly column addressing national issues.
His published works include Death, Not a Redeemer and Rhythms of the Last Testament.
He also authored This Story Must Not Be Told and the novel Emperors of Salvation.
Eghagha became a full Professor in 2010.
He served as Acting Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, in 2015.
From 2016 to 2019, he headed the Department of English.
He has supervised numerous doctoral candidates and remains active in literary circles.
Eghagha is a member of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and the Association of Nigerian Authors.
Married to Patricia since 1984, he is blessed with four children and grandchildren.
