Diri, Matawalle, Irabor lead security stakeholders to First Daily National Dialogue

Preparations have been concluded for the maiden edition of the First Daily National Dialogue on Security, with prominent political leaders, military chiefs, security experts and public affairs analysts confirming their participation in the event scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The dialogue aims to provide a non-partisan platform for practical discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges and generate actionable recommendations to strengthen national security, promote peace and support sustainable development.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri will attend as the Special Guest of Honour and present a paper titled, “Governors as Chief Security Officers in Nigeria: The Bayelsa Example.”

The event will be co-chaired by former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and Senator Seriake Dickson.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has also confirmed his attendance, while the keynote address will be delivered by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd).

Other confirmed speakers include former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro; former Presidential Amnesty Programme Interim Administrator Colonel Milland Dikio (rtd); Tantita Security Services Executive Director Captain Warredi Enisuoh; retired intelligence officer Major Lancelot Anyanya; forensic expert Dr. Yemi Onifade; Professor Yahaya Ndu; risk management specialist Onyekachi Adekoya; lawyer Frank Tietie; and public affairs analyst Mojeed Dahiru.

Publisher of First Daily, Dr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described the initiative as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s search for lasting solutions to insecurity, noting that the country’s security challenges threaten national unity, economic growth and democratic development.

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He stressed that tackling insecurity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, adding that invitations have been extended to the Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs.

According to him, leading political figures across party lines, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and other national leaders, have also been invited, alongside key socio-cultural organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), PANDEF, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

“The security of our nation cannot be left to the government alone. It requires the collective wisdom, commitment and collaboration of political leaders, security institutions, traditional rulers, civil society, the private sector and citizens,” Iworiso-Markson said.

He noted that the dialogue will bring together policymakers, diplomats, traditional rulers, academics, youth representatives, civil society organisations and the media to examine the root causes of insecurity, identify gaps in existing policies and propose practical reforms for lasting peace and national stability.

Iworiso-Markson expressed appreciation to the speakers, partners and supporters of the initiative, assuring participants that all logistical and security arrangements had been completed for a successful event.

Iworiso-Markson expressed confidence that the recommendations from the dialogue would contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.