As the April 1, 2026, date for the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture approaches, renowned Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, has declared a nine-day Novena prayer for the success and impact of the event.
This year’s edition, themed “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress,” features the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, as the Keynote Speaker.
The lecture will hold at its traditional date of Wednesday, preceding Easter Sunday, that is, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 for this year’s edition. Venue for the lecture is the prestigious Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State.
Rev. Fr. Konyeke who is presently at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) will be a Discussant at the lecture.
A Novena is a traditional Catholic devotion consisting of prayers repeated for nine consecutive days to seek divine intercession or prepare for a significant event.
Rev. Fr. Konyeke, a consistent participant since the lecture’s inception in 2019, emphasized that this year’s theme “touches the soul of humanity,” asserting that security remains everyone’s business.
”From the beginning, I have always said that God’s hand is involved in everything concerning the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, Aka Chukwu Dia,.
“Every problem in Nigeria revolves around security; while those in authority feel insecure despite their wealth, those on the street cannot walk freely, this is why we must pray for a permanent solution,” Fr. Konyeke said.
He urged the faithful to join the spiritual exercise: “Catholics in particular, who know the efficacy of prayer, should join the Novena starting from Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
“Every Christian and those who believe in God should attend the Holy Mass daily for the Novena and also pray the Lord’s Prayer three times every day,” the Priest who is presently at the Catholic Institute of West (CIWA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State said.
Highlighting the caliber of guests expected, Fr. Konyeke noted that Gen. Irabor “has seen it all” regarding Nigeria’s security architecture.
He also confirmed that the Chief Security Officer of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, and predecessor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, have all committed to being physically present.
”Those who have followed the Maris Lecture series know it is more than just a talk shop; it is a platform for national rebirth.
“We invite all well-meaning Nigerians to participate both in the prayers and the lecture itself as we seek a safer, more united nation,” the Catholic Priest who is of Issele-Uku Diocese said.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba will be Chairman of Occasion while Rear Admiral Mike Onah, OON, will be Father of the Day and Dame Princess Minnie igbrude will be the Mother of the Day.
A former Director of Department of State Services, Sir Mike Ejiofor, Prof. Hope Eghagha of University of Lagos, Ezinne Dr Rosemary Ogabu, LSM, retired Controller of Corrections, and Hon. Warri Ovoke, Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council will be Discussants at the lecture which will have Prof. Kemi Emina, the OdiEga of Ebu Kingdom as Moderator.
The Maris Annual Public Service Lecture is a non-partisan platform dedicated to identifying challenges facing the Nigerian society in particular and proffering sustainable solutions through informed discourse.
Reacting to the call by Rev. Fr. Konyeke, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, the Senior Special Assistant, Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who is also, the Secretary of Maris Trust Council, organisers of the lecture said, “Fr. Konyeke is the Spiritual Adviser of the MTC, because of the nature of Maris Lecture, people make their contributions in their own ways towards the success of the lecture annually.
“Prayer is good as we believe that there is nothing that God cannot do and again, there is no descrimination as it concerns participation at the lecture, no invitation card is required for one to attend, the lecture is free.
‘Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who is practically listening more and doing more for Deltans have made Delta safe for such international discourse, so, those who are coming from far and near should know that Asaba is not only safe, it is host to hotels of international standards and can be accessed by road, water and through the Asaba International Airport.
“We are confident that God will make the lecture successful and those who wishes to sponsor the programme, place goodwill messages or make inquiries should call +2348032933933.
“Maris Lecture is participatory, it is inclusive as the concept is to identify societal challenges and proffer solutions to them.”
