Preparations have been finalised for the inaugural First Daily National Dialogue on Security, with an impressive roster of Nigeria’s foremost political and military leaders confirming their participation.
The landmark event, scheduled for 10am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Abuja’s Musa Yar’Adua Centre, aims to provide a non-partisan platform for candid, solution-driven conversations on Nigeria’s security architecture. Organisers expect actionable recommendations to strengthen national security, promote peace, and support sustainable development.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State will serve as Special Guest of Honour, delivering a paper titled “Governors as Chief Security Officers in Nigeria: The Bayelsa Example.”
The dialogue will be co-chaired by General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd) , former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, alongside Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Bayelsa Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has also confirmed attendance, while General Lucky Irabor (Rtd) , former Chief of Defence Staff, will deliver the keynote address.
Distinguished Speakers Lineup
Other confirmed participants include:
· Sir Mike Mbama Okiro – former Inspector-General of Police
· Colonel Milland Dikio (Rtd) – former Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme
· Captain Warredi Enisuoh – Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services
· Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd) – security consultant and retired intelligence officer
· Dr. Yemi Onifade – lawyer and forensic expert
· Professor Yahaya Ndu – Director, Gregory University, Uturu
· Onyekachi Adekoya – risk management specialist
· Frank Tietie – legal practitioner and public affairs commentator
· Mojeed Dahiru – columnist and public affairs analyst
‘Collective Responsibility’ for National Security
Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Publisher of First Daily and former Bayelsa Information Commissioner, described the initiative as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s search for enduring security solutions.
“Insecurity has become one of the greatest threats to our unity, economic prosperity, and democratic development,” he stated. “The security of our nation cannot be left to government alone. It requires collective wisdom, commitment, and collaboration across all sectors.”
Invitations have been extended to the nation’s highest security leadership, including the Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, DSS Director-General, and all service chiefs.
In keeping with the dialogue’s non-partisan character, political figures across party lines have also been invited, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and the SDP presidential candidate.
Socio-cultural organisations—including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, PANDEF, and the Ijaw National Congress—have likewise been invited to contribute their perspectives.
A Platform for Practical Solutions
The dialogue will bring together security experts, policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society, diplomats, media, academics, and youth representatives to examine root causes of insecurity and chart practical pathways to lasting peace.
Discussions will interrogate existing policies, identify institutional gaps, and propose workable reforms. Iworiso-Markson expressed gratitude to all participants and assured that logistical and security arrangements are complete.
“This dialogue transcends political divides and places the security, unity, and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration,” he emphasised.
