PHOTONEWS: Faces at the 2026 TheNiche Lecture
L-R: Ano Anyanwu, Jumoke Ogunleye, Joe Ajaero, Governor Otti, Emir Sanusi and Igwe Achebe
By Emma Ogbuehi
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the main auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) hosted an August audience in April.
The event was the 2026 TheNiche Annual Lecture, the fifth in the series.
The lecture was delivered by Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, Governor of Abia State, under the distinguished chairmanship of His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, Emir of Kano. His Royal Highness Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), CFR, Obi of Onitsha, was the Royal Father of the Day.
It was an event that brought Nigerians from all walks of life together to chart a way forward for Nigeria.
These are some of the faces that graced the occasion.
HRH Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, HRH Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), Obi of Onitsha
L-R: Prof Anthony Kila, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr (Mrs.) Betty Emeka-Obasi, Chief Edwin Igbokwe, Chief Zik Obi
L-R: Admiral Alison Madueke, General Ike Nwachukwu, Sir Okey Nwadinobi, Deputy President-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Enyi Odigbo, Prof Anthony Kila, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa
L-R: Chief Charles Odunukwe (Chardon), Dr. Charles Nwodo and Prof Anya O. Anya
Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu (Chairman/CEO CHISCO), Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Mr. Emeka Ugwuoju
Chief Chuma Igwe, Owelle Don Eze, Hakeem Bello
Prof Anthony Kila, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Dr (Mrs.) Betty Emeka-Obasi, widow of late Prince Emeka Obasi, publisher of Hallmark Newspaper and former Abia State Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Igbokwe
Ikechukwu Amaechi with Hakeem Bello
Dame Comfort Obi, publisher of The Source magazine
Old Students of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri
Dr Jumoke Ogunleye, Associate Professor University of Lagos
General Ike Nwachukwu arriving for the lecture
General Ike Nwachukwu delivering his goodwill message
NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero taking note
Dr Alex Otti in a handshake with Ikechukwu Amaechi after his induction into TheNiche Hall of Fame
Emir Sanusi with his Hall of Fame plaque
Executive Editor of TheNiche, Dr Alex Emeka Duru (second right), his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Jane Duru and friends
L-R: Dr Duru, Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi, his wife Chioma Amaechi, Barrister PGU Madu and Barrister Matthew Unanka
Amaechi with Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo (Lakeside), MD/CEO, Kwenu 93.9FM
NIIA DG Prof Eghosa E. Osaghae
Dr Otti and Emir Sanusi
Dr Otti delivering his lecture
Members of the Mbaise People’s Congress (MPC) led by Ochiagha Carl Azudibia
Governor Alex Otti, Emir Sanusi and Obi of Onitsha
Amaechi flanked by Prof Remi Sonaiya and her husband, Prof Babafunso Sonaiya
Amaechi, Mazi Ohuabunwa and Comrade Chinedu Ukatu
L-R: Mr. Eugene Onyeji, Chief Operating Officer, Acclaim Communications Limited, Amaechi, Governor Otti, Emir Sanusi and Duru
Mr. Charles Anyiam-Osigwe and Akogun Tola Adeniyi, former MD of Daily Times
Chief Steve Onyemaechi, Mr. Ralph Nwosu, Dr Amanze Obi, Engr. Peter Osuji, Barrister Emeka Ibe
Mr. Ted Iwere and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa
Amaechi, Gov Otti, Elder Uma Eleazu, Mazi Ohuabunwa and Fr. George Adimike
Mr. Valentine Ozigbo
Executive Editor Dr Duru giving the vote of thanks
Dr Uma Eleazu asking a question
