DELSU Holds Solemn Assembly/Prayer Retreat

By Daniel Dafe

Staff and students of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Friday, 8th September, 2021, converged at the institution’s Convocation Arena, Site III, for a one-day ‘Solemn Assembly/Prayer Retreat’ programme.

The event with theme ‘In Times Like This’ had Rt. Rev. Dr. Blessing Erifeta, Bishop, Anglican Communion, Sapele Diocese, as Guest Preacher.

Delivering the sermon, the cleric noted that a solemn assembly is special to God.

Erifeta, who took his scriptural text from Joel 2, tasked Christians on unity.

According to him, the problem of Nigeria is not just bad leadership, but a situation of leadership that is under the control of demonic influence.

Furthermore, he assured the university community that the programme was timely and will yield positive results speedily.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, DELSU, Professor Andy Egwunyenga, in a keynote address titled: ‘Unless the Lord Builds the House, Those who Build it Labour in Vain’, expressed delight that the university community gathered to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over the tertiary institution.

He added: “Delta State University Abraka has come of age. After almost 30 years, we can look back with appreciation to God that DELSU has not relented in the pursuit of its vision to become a centre of excellence through teaching, innovation and dissemination of knowledge. We remain resolute in our mission to become a citadel for scholarship, research and enterprise. By the grace of Almighty God, we remain guided and motivated by the principles of knowledge, character and service. DELSU is God’s own project. The Lord is building the University. We are mere privileged labourers.”

He continued: “On the morning of 2nd December 2019 when I arrived this University as Vice-Chancellor, I went first to Church in Holy Mass for God’s Grace to lead, inspire and advance the repositioning of Delta State University to emerge as one of the best State Universities in Nigeria. I also entrusted myself and family to the maternal intercession of Holy Mary, Mother of God. Today 22 months after, I look back with joy that indeed the Lord is building this University. I have never worked anywhere else outside the Higher Education System. This is my 28th years as staff of this University. As Vice-Chancellor, I must uphold the principles and values of the University as a diverse environment where people of all belief; Christians and non-christians alike are united by the pursuit of knowledge through teaching, research and enterprise. I must create an enabling environment for scholarship to thrive. I should carry out this responsibility without discrimination against anyone on account of sex, ethnic background, race and faith. I must use the organs of University Administration, made-up of Governing Council, Senate and Congregation, through the Committee System to deliver quality service to this University. This means that, the Vice-Chancellor should not be directly organizing faith based activities.”

Speaking further, he said that the theme of this year’s Solemn Assembly and Prayer Retreat is very apt, adding that “we are in unusual times.”

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“The entire country is plagued by insecurity, poverty, disease, corruption, violence, immortality, ethnic and religious cries. Unfortunately, youths including students, women and children are the worst victims; and how the COVID-19 Pandemic is taking its toll, thus worsening and already bad situation. The consequences are that many avoidable deaths are recorded everywhere including Delta State University. Let’s not be tempted to think that our problem here is the heaviest and become despondent and superstitious. As Christians, we must be true to our faith, intensifying our prayers, holding onto God and encouraging one another with love. In the words of our Lord Jesus, “Be of good cheer! Do not be afraid”. He is our protector. His love is beyond measure. We are precious in is His sight,” the university don said.

While commending DELSU College of Chaplains for the initiative, he pledged the continued support of the University Administration as they go about their duties of leading “the Christian flock of Delta State University Abraka.”

Meanwhile, prayers were said for the VC and others at the university’s leadership echelon.

Also, prayer points on peace and tranquility in DELSU and against strange death in the institution were also made.

The prayer session was coordinated by the chaplains on campus, Rev. Dr. E.A.R. Ejobee, Our Saviour’s Chapel, Rev. Fr. James Urien, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Ven. A.O.C. Esibe, All Saints Anglican Church.