ASABA/Nigeria: Renowned literary scholar and columnist, Hope Oghenerukevbe Eghagha, is set to participate as a discussant at this year’s Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, the Maris Trust Council has announced.
The disclosure was made in Asaba by the council’s scribe, Fidelis Egugbo, who said the professor—also a columnist with The Guardian Newspaper—will examine the theme, “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.” The keynote address will be delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor.
Egugbo added that former Chief of Naval Staff, Dele Ezeoba, will chair the event, while former Department of State Services director, Mike Ejiofor, will also serve as discussant. The session will be moderated by Kemi Emina, traditional title holder of Ebu Kingdom.
According to the council, Eghagha’s selection reflects his reputation as a social critic, seasoned lecturer and public intellectual, as well as his personal experience surviving a kidnapping ordeal—an episode that inspired his short story “Your Death Hour is 10 O’clock.” The organisers noted that the lecture, described in some circles as a pre-2027 election security summit, is designed to interrogate national challenges and generate practical solutions.
The statement also acknowledged the support of Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the use of Unity Hall Government House Asaba as venue. Scheduled for April 1, 2026, the event will begin at noon, allowing participants travelling by road, rail, through the River Niger, or via Asaba International Airport sufficient time to arrive
Highlighting the host city’s attractions, the organisers listed sites such as Lander Brothers Anchorage, Mungo Park House and Marian Babangida Leisure Centre and Film Village, as well as the presence of Dennis Osadebay University, describing the city as secure and hospitable.
Born on September 4, 1959, in Burutu, Eghagha studied at several institutions including the University of Jos and University of Lagos, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1994. During his National Youth Service in 1982, he served as a producer with the Nigerian Television Authority in Sokoto. He later became a professor of English at the University of Lagos and served as Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education.
A prolific writer, playwright and novelist, he has authored several literary works across genres and has supervised numerous doctoral candidates. He was appointed full professor in 2010, served as Acting Dean of Arts in 2015, and headed the Department of English from 2016 to 2019.
Eghagha also played a role in governance as secretary of the 88-member transition committee constituted ahead of Governor Oborevwori’s inauguration. He belongs to multiple scholarly bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and remains widely regarded as a leading voice in Nigeria’s literary and intellectual landscape.
