(PRESS STATEMENT)
The Publisher of First Daily, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has expressed profound appreciation to distinguished guests, speakers, panelists, partners, sponsors and participants for their immense contributions to the success of the media organisation’s Sixth Anniversary Public Lecture and National Dialogue on Security.
The landmark event, held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, political leaders, legal practitioners, academics, diplomats, civil society organisations and captains of industry to deliberate on practical and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Iworiso-Markson in a statement issued on behalf of the Board and Management of First Media Network Limited, publishers of First Daily Online Newspaper, First Daily Sports and Civil Service News, described the overwhelming support and participation from stakeholders as a strong endorsement of the organisation’s commitment to promoting informed national discourse and solution-driven journalism.
He conveyed special appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, for his consistent support for the First Daily Annual Public Lecture Series since its inception.
“We particularly appreciate His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, for standing by us over the years and identifying with our public lecture series from the very beginning. His continued support is deeply valued and appreciated,” he said.
The publisher also thanked the Chairman of the Occasion, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd.), and the Co-Chairman, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for providing exemplary leadership and helping to shape meaningful conversations on Nigeria’s security architecture.
He equally commended the keynote speaker, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), for delivering what he described as a thought-provoking presentation that offered practical recommendations for strengthening national security.
“General Lucky Irabor delivered an excellent keynote address. We remain grateful for his deep insights and well-considered proposals for addressing the security challenges confronting our nation,” he stated.
Dr. Iworiso-Markson further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of other distinguished speakers and special guests, including former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro; the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, represented by Rear Admiral Atiku A. Abdulkadir; the Chief of the Air Staff, represented by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet; Captain Warredi Enisuoh of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Alhaji Yahaya Ndu; and the Founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Professor Gregory Ibe.
He also praised the panelists—Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd.), Dr. Yemi Onifade, Frank Tietie, Dr. Sani Shinkafi and Mojeed Dahiru—for enriching the dialogue with robust discussions, diverse perspectives and practical recommendations on improving Nigeria’s security framework.
The publisher expressed heartfelt gratitude to friends, colleagues, associates, partners, sponsors and well-wishers who attended and supported the anniversary event, noting that their presence reaffirmed confidence in First Daily’s mission to promote public enlightenment, policy engagement and constructive national conversations.
“We recognise that your time is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful that you chose to invest it in advancing a cause that promotes peace, security, national unity and sustainable development in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Iworiso-Markson reaffirmed First Daily’s commitment to providing a credible platform for evidence-based dialogue, public policy engagement and solution-oriented journalism, stressing that the organisation would continue to contribute meaningfully to national development, democratic governance and the strengthening of Nigeria’s institutions.
The 6th Anniversary National Dialogue on Security with the theme, “Declaration of State of Emergency on Security: Matching Words with Action,” was the highlight of activities marking the sixth anniversary of First Daily.
The event featured wide-ranging discussions and practical recommendations on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through greater collaboration among government, security agencies, the private sector, civil society and other critical stakeholders.
