Preparations have been finalised for the maiden edition of the **First Daily National Dialogue on Security**, with prominent political leaders, retired military officers, security experts, legal practitioners and public affairs analysts set to participate in the event scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The dialogue aims to provide a non-partisan platform for practical discussions on Nigeria’s security architecture, with participants expected to develop recommendations to strengthen national security, promote peace and support sustainable development.
Bayelsa State Governor, **Senator 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.), alongside Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Also expected is the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, 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 Sir Mike Okiro; former Presidential Amnesty Programme Interim Administrator Colonel Milland Dikio (Rtd.); Executive Director (Operations and Technical) of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Captain Warredi Enisuoh; retired intelligence officer Major Lancelot Anyanya (Rtd.); lawyer and forensic expert Dr. Yemi Onifade; Professor Yahaya Ndu of Gregory University, Uturu; risk management specialist Onyekachi Adekoya; legal practitioner Frank Tietie; and public affairs analyst **Mojeed Dahiru.
Speaking ahead of the event, First Daily Publisher, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described the dialogue as a timely intervention aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
According to him, insecurity remains a major threat to national unity, economic growth and democratic development, making it necessary for stakeholders from across sectors to engage in sincere and solution-driven discussions.
He disclosed that invitations had been extended to the nation’s top security officials, including the Ministers of Defence and Interior, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs and other security leaders.
Iworiso-Markson added that invitations were also sent to leading political figures and presidential hopefuls across party lines, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Social Democratic Party presidential candidate and other national leaders.
He said representatives of major socio-cultural organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) had also been invited to contribute to the discussions.
“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.
“First Daily believes that the time has come for meaningful engagement that transcends political divides and places the security, unity and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration. This dialogue is intended to provide that platform,” Iworiso-Markson said.
The national dialogue is expected to bring together policymakers, traditional rulers, diplomats, academics, civil society groups, youth representatives, members of the media and security professionals to examine the root causes of insecurity and recommend practical reforms for lasting peace and national stability.
Iworiso-Markson said all logistical and security arrangements had been concluded and urged invited guests to participate actively, expressing confidence that the recommendations from the dialogue would support ongoing efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
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