Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor (rtd), CFR, has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker for the 2026 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series.
The Secretary of the Maris Trust Council (MTC), Mr. Egugbo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Warri, describing the development as a moment of joy for organisers and participants of the annual lecture.
According to him, General Irabor has formally accepted the invitation and will personally deliver the keynote address at the event scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, by 12:00 noon.
Egugbo noted that the topic of the lecture will be unveiled to the public in the coming days, adding that it will be selected from the numerous suggestions submitted by members of the public.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, PhD, for their continued support of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration has made Delta State increasingly conducive for hosting international discourse, tourism, and business engagements, once again approving the prestigious Unity Hall at Government House, Asaba, as the venue for the lecture.
Egugbo also thanked members of the public for their active participation, revealing that 64 topics were suggested and 33 individuals nominated for the keynote role.
“From the submissions received, General Irabor emerged as the preferred speaker, and his topic will be selected from the proposed themes,” he said.
He assured contributors that while only one speaker and one topic could be chosen, all suggestions were deeply appreciated, urging Nigerians to continue working collectively towards building a better society.
The Maris Trust Council, he added, looks forward to robust participation at the 2026 lecture.
