By Dianabasi Effiong
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral
Dele Ezeoba (retired), will chair the 2026 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, the Secretary, Maris Trust Council (MTC), Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, made this known on Tuesday in Asaba.
Egugbo, who is also Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
He stated: ”To the glory of Almighty God, we announce to the public, especially regular participants of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series that a highly respected personality, Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, former Chief of Naval Staff, will attend this year’s lecture as Chairman of the Occasion.
”The theme for this year’s lecture is, ‘Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress,’ and Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, will be the Keynote Speaker.
”In our characteristic manner of regularly briefing the public regarding those billed to play roles at the lecture, it should be recalled that we previously announced security expert, Sir Michael Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and renowned public affairs analyst as a Discussant at the lecture.”
According to Egugbo, three professors, among other experts in their chosen fields, have already confirmed they will serve as Discussants at the lecture.
He also stated, “As Wednesday, April 1, 2026, draws near, we shall continue to update the public with the names of those who will serve as Special Guests of Honour, Guests of Honour, Father of the Day, Mother of the Day, and Moderator.
”Past Chairmen of the Occasion for Maris Lectures include Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, OON; Ambassador Godson Echegile, OON; Chief Nicholas Chizea (the Oshimili Atata of Asaba); Chief Kennedy Kamma, Esq; and His Imperial Majesty, Obi Dr. Greg Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh Kingdom.
”Admiral Ezeoba’s acceptance to chair this year’s lecture boosts public anticipation that Asaba is preparing to host a significant security summit before the general elections.”
Ezeoba, the 20th Chief of the Naval Staff and former Deputy Commandant at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, was born on July 25, 1958, in Jos, Plateau State. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, before proceeding to the Britannia Royal Naval College.
He attended the AFCSC as well as the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan.
During his years of service, he received several awards, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Defence Superior Service Medal.
Admiral Ezeoba joined the Nigerian Navy in 1976 and served in numerous capacities, including Director of Training at Defence Headquarters, Chief of Training and Operations at Naval Headquarters, and Chief of Defence Administration at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, before his retirement in January 2014.
He also served as a member and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a member of the Committee on Combating Piracy and Environmental Pollution in Nigerian Waters, and Chairman of the Presidential Inter-Agency Maritime Security Task Force (IAMSTF).
Additionally, Admiral Ezeoba served as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN).
He has been described by many as a highly principled man and is married to Vivian Ifeyinwa Ezeoba
Egugbo stated, “The Maris Lecture holds every Wednesday of Holy Week (the Wednesday before Easter Sunday).
“This year’s edition will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, at noon.”
