The Maris Trust Council (MTC) has extended warm birthday wishes to respected scholar and community leader, Professor Kemi Emina, the OdiEga of Ebu Kingdom, describing him as a distinguished figure whose life reflects service, integrity, and dedication to humanity.
In a statement jointly issued by the Council’s Chairman, Chief Sir Kenneth Olise, PhD, and Secretary, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, the organisation praised Professor Emina’s consistent commitment to public service and his longstanding involvement with the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture. The Council highlighted his intellectual depth, leadership qualities, and passion for nation-building.
The statement, released on Saturday morning, also formally announced Professor Emina as the Moderator for the 2026 edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture, reaffirming the Council’s confidence in his ability to guide high-level national conversations.
According to the Council, Professor Emina’s life stands as a strong example of selflessness and service to society. They prayed for continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of meaningful contributions as he marks another year.
The 2026 lecture will be delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, and will focus on the theme: “Insecurity: Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress.” The event is already being described in some quarters as a major security summit ahead of the next general elections.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, is expected to serve as Chairman of the Occasion, while Sir Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), will participate as one of the discussants. The lecture is scheduled to hold at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12 noon.
The Council expressed appreciation to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for approving the use of the Unity Hall for what it described as an agenda-setting and thought-provoking national dialogue. It reiterated confidence that Professor Emina would once again bring his wealth of experience to bear as Moderator at the event.
Professor Kemi Anthony Emina is a senior academic at Delta State University, Abraka, with primary scholarly interests in Development Philosophy and African Metaphysics. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation as a thinker, organiser, public commentator, and broadcaster.
He was among the pioneer staff of Delta Printing and Publishing Company Ltd, publishers of The Pointer newspapers, and also gained professional broadcasting experience with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Beyond academia and media, Professor Emina has served in several strategic public roles. He worked as a senior aide to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, where he coordinated the Speech, Research and Documentation Department, contributing significantly to legislative support and institutional development.
He previously served as Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and later as a member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council. He also co-chaired the University of Ibadan at 70 Celebrations and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of UI Ventures Ltd.
A devout Catholic and respected traditional title holder in Ebu Kingdom, Professor Emina has received various recognitions for his contributions to community development and intellectual advancement. He is married to Mrs. Rita Emina, an architect, and they are blessed with children.
Professor Emina has consistently moderated the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture since 2019, and the Council expressed optimism that he will once again lend his voice and expertise to this year’s edition.
