PHOTONEWS: 2026 TheNiche Lecture in pictures
L-R: Mr. Ike Nwachukwu, Admiral Alison Madueke, former Chief of Naval Staff; General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, former minister of foreign affairs and former Senator representing Abia North; Sir Okey Nwadinobi, Deputy President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Enyi Odigbo, advertising guru and chairman of Casers Group.
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, with the theme, “Governing the Economy: Choices, Trade-offs, and National Priorities,” 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.
READ ALSO: PHOTONEWS: Faces at the 2026 TheNiche Lecture (1)
It was an event that brought Nigerians from all walks of life together to chart a way forward for their beloved, albeit beleaguered country. It was national dialogue at its best.
Yesterday, we published pictures of some distinguished Nigerians, including students who graced the occasion. Today, we are publishing more pictures.
Arrivals and Red Carpet
Dr. Otti and Emir Sanusi II
Executive Editor of TheNiche, Dr Emeka Alex Duru, welcoming the Guest Speaker, Dr Alex Chioma Otti
And the man of the moment steps into the auditorium
The moderator, Prof Anthony Kila, welcoming Prof Pat Utomi
The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi, and his wife, Chioma, welcoming Chief Ano Anyanwu, former Executive Director of Spring Bank Plc. and Mainstreet Bank Limited, former District Governor of the International Association of Lions Clubs District 404A1 Nigeria, who was a discussant
Prof Pat Utomi and elder statesman, Dr. Uma Eleazu exchanging banters
Amaechi welcoming the NIIA DG Prof Eghosa Osaghae
Prof Osaghae in a tête-à-tête with Prof Utomi before the lecture started
Veteran journalists George Mbah and Kanayo Esinulo signing the attendance register on arrival
General Ike Nwachukwu welcoming Admiral Alison Madueke
Prof Osaghae with Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II
Master of Ceremony Chief Okechukwu Onyegbule – Okey Bakassi – Eze-elect of Umuihuocha-Obohia Autonomous Community, chatting with Pastor Buchi Anaebere and Mrs. Chinwe Anyanwu
L-R: Mr. Eugene Onyeji, Chief Operating Officer of Acclaim Communications Limited, publishers of TheNiche, Ikechukwu Amaechi, Managing Directore/Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Alex Otti, Abia State Governor and Guest Speaker, HRH Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, Dr. Emeka Alex Duru, Executive Editor TheNiche
Amaechi welcoming Chief Louis Ibe of Globacom
Emir Sanusi with a staff of Abia State government Ada
L-R: TheNiche columnist, Mrs. Lechi Eke; Personnel Manager, Mr. Kenny Okeowo; Editor, Dr. Emeka Duru, Managing Director, Ikechukwu Amaechi, Prof Pat Utomi, Prof Anthony Kila and Chief Ano Anyanwu
Lechi with Prof Utomi
And Agbogidi walks in majestically
Governor Otti pays his compliments
On the rostrum
Deacon Patrick Nwabunnia saying the opening prayer
Amaechi reading his welcome address
Emir Sanusi makes his chairman’s remarks
Governor Otti delivers his well-received speech
Agbogidi, Royal Father of the Day, mounted the rostrum also to make his remarks
General Ike Nwachukwu delivered a goodwill message
Impressive Poise even while sitting
Obi of Onitsha
Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II
Governor Otti
Chief Ano Anyanwu
Comrade Joe Ajaero
Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, Chairman of Chisco Group
Cross-section of participants
Students were also there
For a gender sensitive organisation like TheNiche, women were not left out. They came in their numbers to discuss Nigeria
And it was all camaraderie even as the daunting task of refocusing Nigeria was being discussed
Agbogidi and Governor Otti in a bear hug
Gov Otti with Mr. Enyi Odigbo
Otti felicitating with General Ike Nwachukwu
Utomi with Enyi Odigbo
Utomi exchanging pleasantries with Admiral Madueke
Amaechi engages him
And Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu too
The convivial atmosphere didn’t stop Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa from asking the hard questions
It didn’t stop Elder Uma Eleazu either
But at the end, both the Governor and Emir lived up to their billings
