The Maris Trust Council (MTC) has commended the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the appointment of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas as a member of the Governing Council of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
MTC gave the commendation in a press release signed by its Secretary, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, and made available to newsmen in Asaba on Thursday.
It described the appointment of Rt. Hon. Agas as fitting, noting that the renowned politician enlightened political office holders about what is expected of them in 2022 when he served as the Keynote Speaker at that year’s edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, speaking on the topic, “Selfless Service: A Phenomenal Virtue.”
Egugbo, in the statement, also announced the closing date for the nomination of keynote speakers and the suggestion of potential topics for discussion at this year’s edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
”The Maris Trust Council (MTC) received with joy the announcement of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas as a member of the Governing Council of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
”Rt. Hon. Agas is a distinguished gentleman whose keynote address titled, ‘Selfless Service: A Phenomenal Virtue,’ delivered at the 2022 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, has become a guide for serving and aspiring public office holders.
”As a man who has held several elective and appointive positions, Rt. Hon. Agas is well aware of what is expected of him in rendering selfless service to the government and humanity.
”While we congratulate Rt. Hon. Agas on adding yet another feather to his cap, we thank the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for recognizing and rewarding excellence.
”Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, a renowned politician, former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, former Chairman of the Delta State Direct Labour Agency, former Chief Strategist to the Delta State Government, former Secretary to the Delta State Government, and former Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba was well chosen by Governor Oborevwori for his new role on the Governing Council of DELSU.
”He is truly a detribalized Nigerian who has a lot to offer his country selflessly.
”The appointment of Rt. Hon. Agas gladdens our hearts greatly, as it comes just a few days before the closing date for the nomination of a potential keynote speaker and topic suggestions for this year’s Maris Lecture.
”Wednesday, January 21, 2026, is the closing date for nominations for the 2026 Maris Lecture; so far, we have received several nominations, surpassing the numbers from previous editions.
”This is clear evidence that Nigerians are committed to building a better country, as topical issues have also been suggested for discussion.
”The Maris Lecture series is a platform for proffering solutions to identified societal challenges; it takes place every Wednesday before Easter Sunday at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, as Delta remains a safe haven for international discourse, tourism, and business.
”It will be recalled that those who played key roles when Rt. Hon. Agas delivered his Maris Lecture included Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Special Guest of Honour), Ambassador Godson Echegile (Chairman of the Occasion), Bishop Justus Mogekwu (Father of the Day), Dr. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru (Mother of the Day), Rev. Fr. John Konyeke (Discussant), Hon. Bridget Anyafulu (Discussant), Mrs. Shimite Bello (Discussant), and Prof. Kemi Emina (Moderator), among others,” Egugbo said.
