ASABA/Nigeria: The Maris Trust Council has extended warm felicitations to distinguished scholar and community leader Prof. Kemi Emina, the OdiEga of Ebu Kingdom, as he marks his birthday, praising his enduring contributions to public service, academia and national discourse.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Kenneth Olise, and Secretary, Fidelis Egugbo, the Council described Prof. Emina as a model of selfless service whose partnership with the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series has strengthened intellectual engagement on critical national issues. The Council also announced his appointment as Moderator for the 2026 edition of the lecture.
The statement commended the celebrant’s dedication to humanity and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and many more years of impactful service, noting that his acceptance of the moderation role reflects his consistent commitment to enlightening public dialogue and civic responsibility.
According to the Council, this year’s lecture—scheduled for April 1, 2026, at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba—will be delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor on the theme “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.” Former Chief of Naval Staff Dele Ezeoba is expected to chair the occasion, while former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor will serve as a discussant. The Council also acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the use of the venue for what it described as an agenda-setting forum widely regarded as a major pre-election security dialogue.
Prof. Emina, a senior academic at Delta State University, Abraka, is widely respected for his scholarship in development philosophy and African metaphysics, as well as for his contributions to journalism, broadcasting and public policy. He was among the pioneer staff of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company Ltd, publishers of The Pointer newspapers, and also gained broadcasting experience with the Nigerian Television Authority.
Over the years, he has served in several strategic roles, including as a senior aide to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly where he coordinated the Speech, Research and Documentation Department. He previously served as Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, was a member of the University’s Governing Council, co-chaired the University of Ibadan at 70 celebrations, and currently chairs the Board of UI Ventures Ltd.
A committed Christian and respected traditional titleholder, Prof. Emina is also known for his humanist values, intellectual depth and dedication to community development. The Maris Trust Council noted that he has consistently moderated its annual lecture since 2019, expressing confidence that he will once again bring insight, balance and scholarly perspective to this year’s event.
