By Lucky Uto
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, has declared a nine-day Novena prayer for the success of the 2026 Maris Annual Public Service Lecture scheduled for April 1 in Asaba, Delta State.
The lecture, themed “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress,” will take place at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, will deliver the keynote address.
Fr. Konyeke, who is currently at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt, and will serve as a discussant at the lecture, said the Novena will begin on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
According to him, insecurity remains a major challenge facing Nigeria and requires both prayer and collective efforts to find lasting solutions.
He explained that a Novena is a Catholic devotion where prayers are offered for nine consecutive days to seek God’s intervention or prepare for important events.
The priest urged Christians and all believers in God to participate by attending Holy Mass daily during the period and reciting the Lord’s Prayer three times each day.
Fr. Konyeke, a regular participant in the lecture since it began in 2019, described the annual event as a platform that goes beyond discussion to promote national rebirth and unity.
He noted that several prominent personalities are expected at the lecture, including Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; and former governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Other dignitaries expected include former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, who will chair the occasion, while Rear Admiral Mike Onah will serve as Father of the Day and Dame Princess Minnie Igbrude as Mother of the Day.
The panel of discussants will include former Director of the Department of State Services, Sir Mike Ejiofor; Prof. Hope Eghagha of the University of Lagos; retired Controller of Corrections, Dr. Rosemary Ogabu; Hon. Warri Ovoke, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council; and Fr. Konyeke himself. The session will be moderated by Prof. Kemi Emina, the OdiEga of Ebu Kingdom.
Reacting to the Novena prayer initiative, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor and Secretary of the Maris Trust Council, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, described prayer as an important support for the success of the lecture.
Egugbo noted that the Maris Lecture is open to everyone and does not require invitation cards, adding that Delta State is safe and ready to host guests coming from across Nigeria and beyond.
He also called on individuals and organizations willing to support or place goodwill messages to contact the organisers.
The Maris Annual Public Service Lecture is a non-partisan platform aimed at discussing major societal challenges and providing practical solutions through informed public dialogue.
