All Now Set for National Issue Newspapers’ Second Lecture Series

Preparations have been concluded for the much-anticipated second lecture series of National Issue Newspapers, scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Nigeria National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The high-level intellectual gathering, themed “Ebonyi and the Path to Good Governance,” is expected to attract political leaders, academics, professionals, civil society organisations, media practitioners, traditional and community stakeholders, as well as other concerned Nigerians interested in the political and socio-economic development of Ebonyi State.

The lecture series is coming at a critical period in the state’s political development, with governance, accountability, leadership, economic opportunity and institutional strengthening remaining important issues in the national conversation on the future of Ebonyi and other states in the federation.

Publisher of National Issue Newspaper, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, said the programme is designed to move beyond partisan rhetoric and provide a credible platform for critical examination of the issues affecting the state, while encouraging constructive engagement on practical solutions.

Among the distinguished personalities expected to lead discussions at the event is Senator Emmanuel Onwe, PhD, who will deliver the keynote lecture. Other notable speakers include Senator (Engr.) Kenneth Eze, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyichukwu Odoh, and Prof. Kenneth Ugwuoke, with Prof. Ernest Ereke serving as Moderator.

The organisers have also confirmed the presence of the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi state, High Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, (Anyichuks), as the Guest of Honour.

The choice of the lecture theme reflects growing interest in the quality of governance, leadership and development outcomes in Ebonyi State, particularly the need to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that public policies translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

The event is expected to provide an opportunity for speakers and participants to examine a broad range of issues, including political leadership, accountability in public office, inclusive governance, economic development, human capital investment, institutional capacity, democratic participation and the creation of an environment capable of attracting sustainable investment.

Beyond identifying challenges, the organisers said the lecture series seeks to encourage practical and forward-looking conversations that can contribute to the formulation of ideas capable of strengthening governance and development in Ebonyi State.

The presence of academics and professionals alongside political actors is also expected to enrich the discussions, allowing governance issues to be examined from political, economic, social, institutional and developmental perspectives.

With preparations now concluded, attention has shifted to the August 29 gathering, which is expected to provide an important platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and interrogate the choices that will shape the future direction of Ebonyi State.

The National Issue Newspapers Second Lecture Series therefore promises to be more than a conventional public lecture, as it seeks to stimulate informed debate, promote democratic accountability and place good governance at the centre of discussions about the state's future.

As prominent personalities and stakeholders converge in Abuja, expectations are high that the event will produce robust contributions and practical recommendations on how Ebonyi can deepen good governance, strengthen its democratic institutions and accelerate sustainable development.