The Advocate Lecture Series Board of Council (ALSBC) has scheduled it’s 2026 Advocate Publication Annual Lecture Series for April 16.
Mr Abraham Ogbodo, Chairman of the Board, announced this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Warri.
Ogbodo, a veteran and former Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, further announced Dr Charles Apoki, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 edition of Advocate Publication Annual Lecture Series.
The statement was signed and issued by
Mr Shedrack Onitsha, Secretary of the Advocate Lecture Series Board of Council.
“The 2026 edition of the Advocate Publication Annual Lecture Series has been scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Delta State,” he said.
The board chairman said that the choice of Apoki, an international conference speaker and advocate of good governance, followed a rigorous search processes.
He noted that the renowned speaker and resource person to corporate organisations, institutions and ministries aligns with the Board’s vision for the 2026 lecture.
“The Advocate Lecture Series Board of Council (ALSBC), after a thorough search, is pleased to announce Dr Apoki, an international conference speaker and good governance advocate, as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Advocate Publication Annual Lecture Series,” he said.
The veteran journalist said that Dr Apoki would deliver a keynote address on the topic: “From Ballot to Patronage: Why Electoral Victory Fails to Deliver Good Governance in Nigeria”.
The former editor added that his presentation would be followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.
“This year’s lecture will focus on the growing disconnect between electoral victory and effective governance in Nigeria.
“The discourse is expected to x-ray how elections often become mechanisms for transferring power from the electorate to political patrons rather than producing accountable leadership.
“It will also analyse the role of godfatherism, weak institutional oversight and the monetisation of politics in undermining democratic mandates, while proposing practical reforms capable of restoring public trust and aligning elections with service delivery and national development,” he said.
Ogbodo said that Dr Apoki was a distinguished graduate of the University of Ibadan College of Medicine adding that he obtained his Medical Degree in the institution in 1984.
“Dr Apoki also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He is an ordained clergyman and widely respected conference speaker.
“He has addressed audiences across several denominations and professional platforms, and remains a highly sought-after resource person for corporate organisations, institutions and government ministries.
“He has over the years, travelled widely across Africa and Europe in the course of his ministry, impacting lives through insightful teachings and transformational messages.
“He is also the convener of the Word and Wisdom Conference, a renowned capacity-building platform that brings together pastors, church leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from diverse backgrounds for leadership development and empowerment,” he said.
Ogbodo, however, said that Dr Apoki was a seasoned marriage counsellor and Proprietor of Petra Christian Academy, an educational institution providing nursery, primary and secondary education in Nigeria.
