Pastor Chuks Agidigbo, the Convener of the One-on-One Grassroots Initiative, has issued a clarion call to citizens, policymakers, and advocates for peace to attend this year’s edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture which will be held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Describing attendance at this year’s lecture as “mandatory” for those committed to the nation’s stability, Agidigbo observed that the topic for discussion, “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress,” is critical to charting a new path for Nigeria.
Speaking on the urgency of the upcoming event, Pastor Agidigbo emphasized that the lecture serves as a critical platform to address the most pressing challenge facing the nation today.
He said, “in an increasingly interconnected global village, security threats can no longer be viewed in isolation.
“Insecurity is a global problem; whatever affects a single community in terms of safety ripples across humanity.
”To protect our future, we must first understand the roots of our present challenges.
“We at the One-on-One Grassroots Initiative believe that the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture will fulfill its mandate of identifying societal challenges and proffering solutions to them.”
He commended the choice of those playing key roles at the lecture, saying, “every person on the invitation card is a respected personality in society; I commend the Maris Trust Council, especially my brother and friend, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Secretary of the MTC for believing that with God, all things are possible.
”From the Distinguished Guest of Honour, our workaholic Governor and uncommon bridge-builder, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; to his predecessor and tactical politician, the Special Guest of Honour, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, CON; and our very own Sir Monday Onyeme, the humble, smart Deputy Governor of Delta State, with Admiral Dele Ezeoba, former Chief of Naval Staff, as Chairman of the Occasion; Rear Admiral Mike Ojinika Onah, OON, as Father of the Day; and Dame Princess Minnie Igbrude, Ph.D., as Mother of the Day, what we shall have is a gathering of the who-is-who at this year’s lecture.
”Thank God the lecture is coming up as preparations for next year’s elections heat up, we will have a lot to learn and tell ourselves the truth so that our country and our communities can witness speedy development.
”It is very commendable, and it will be a great delight to watch a former Director of the Department of State Services, Sir Mike Ejiofor, and Prof. Hope Eghagha of the University of Lagos discuss insecurity; we cannot forget the fact that both Eghagha and Ejiofor have spent time in the kidnappers’ den as victims.
”Also, getting Lady Rosemary Ogabu, a retired Controller of Corrections, and a serving Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Warri Ovoke, who is a Chief Security Officer of an area, to be on the panel of discussants is a big plus.
“Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, a Catholic Priest who is in Catholic Institute of West Africa, (,CIWA) is a very good choice to provide spiritual insight to the lecture.
“Those who have attended previous lectures attest to Prof. Kemi Emina’s prowess as a moderator; thank God he will be there again this year,” Pastor Agidigbo said.
As a leader of a prominent socio-political pressure group, Agidigbo believes the insights shared by Gen. Lucky Irabor will provide a roadmap for reclaiming national unity.
He urged members of the grassroots and the general public to turn out in large numbers to participate in this vital discourse.
”We cannot achieve progress without unity, and we cannot have unity without security, this lecture is a necessity for the survival of our collective peace,” he added.
