The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, Wilson Ojakovo, has endorsed the forthcoming third edition of the Advocate Annual Lecture Series, expressing his readiness to attend and offering prayers for the success of the event.
The royal endorsement came during a formal visit by representatives of Advocate Publication Ltd, who met with the monarch to brief him on the objectives and significance of the lecture series. The delegation, led by the organisation’s Managing Director and Publisher, Shedrack Onitsha, used the opportunity to outline plans for the 2026 edition and seek the monarch’s royal support.
Receiving the team at his palace, Oharisi III expressed appreciation for the visit and the organisers’ commitment to promoting informed public discourse. He noted that initiatives such as the lecture series are vital in addressing societal challenges, encouraging dialogue, and inspiring solutions to governance issues affecting the country.
The Advocate Lecture Series, organised annually by Advocate Publication Ltd, publishers of Advocate Newspaper, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Wetland Hotel.
This year’s edition is themed “From Ballot to Patronage: Why Electoral Victory Fails to Deliver Good Governance in Nigeria.” The lecture will explore the gap between electoral success and effective governance, with particular focus on patronage politics, weak institutional oversight, and the urgent need for reforms to strengthen accountability in the country.
Renowned international conference speaker and governance advocate, Charles Apoki, will deliver the keynote address. The event will be chaired by respected scholar and community leader, Patrick Muoboghare.
Among dignitaries expected at the event is the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour. Other notable personalities billed to attend include Senator Ede Dafinone and businessman and political leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who will participate as Guests of Honour.
Additional speakers expected to enrich the discussion include Barrister Omemiroro Ogedegbe, CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor, and Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor, while veteran journalist, Abraham Ogbodo, will coordinate proceedings as moderator, guiding discussions and audience engagement.
According to the organisers, the lecture series has steadily grown into a respected forum where key national issues are examined in depth. They explained that the event is designed not just for discussion, but to generate practical recommendations that can influence policy and improve governance outcomes across Nigeria.
With the backing of the Ughelli monarch and the calibre of personalities expected to attend, stakeholders believe this year’s edition will attract wide participation from government officials, academics, civil society actors, and the general public, further strengthening its impact and relevance.
