DELSU Hosts First-Ever NANS South-South Leadership Summit

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

In a historic gathering that drew student leaders from across the South-South, Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) recently played host to the maiden Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South-South Zone B Leadership Summit, a landmark event themed “University of Purpose: Catalysing Change Through Purposeful Leadership.”

The summit, hosted by the amiable DELSU Students’ Union President and Local Organising Committee Chairman, Dr. Comr. Onovugheghor Augustine, brought together over 15 SUG presidents from universities across the region, including the University of Calabar, Bayelsa State University, and Akwa Ibom State University.

In his welcome address, Dr. Augustine stressed the need to raise leaders who will “take the helm of guiding the coming generation,” underscoring the summit’s goal of training purposeful leaders for tomorrow.

Representing DELSU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogheneovo Asagba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, applauded the sacrifices students made to attend despite the current national challenges.

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He reminded participants that leadership is not about position but service, urging them to embrace the model of servant leadership.

Also present was the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Dr. Ezekiel Okoh, who stood in for Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Dr. Okoh highlighted the need for aspiring leaders to first become good followers, adding that universities must produce graduates who are competent, innovative, and globally competitive.

The convener of the summit and NANS South-South Zone B Coordinator, Amb. Michael Emmanuel Iwara, while moderating the sessions, emphasized that true leadership goes beyond chants and slogans.

“It would be a failure on my part if all we achieved here was noise without impact,” he remarked.

Delivering a thought-provoking keynote lecture, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, CEO of Wellman Group, defined leadership as the ability to influence and direct others toward a common goal.

He lamented the rise of leaders without vision and identified poor time management, broken trust, and inaccessibility as hallmarks of bad leadership. Using a captivating anecdote from the film Coming to America, he illustrated how selfless service and genuine care can elevate ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders.

The event also featured an award presentation ceremony recognizing individuals who have contributed immensely to student welfare, including former NANS National President, Comr. Lucky Emonefe, DELSU Weekend Assembly Chairman, Chief Timothy Eduviere, Dr. Ezekiel Okoh, Comr. John F. Inaku, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, and Engr. Maro Orobosa Ashakah.

Notable attendees included DELSU Dean of Students, Prof. I.J. Njoseh (represented by Prof. Odede), Comr. Eniwake Orogun, SSA Omote Kelly, NANS Assistant Secretary Comr. Nero, and key LOC members such as Comr. Efe Eyela (a.k.a. The Digital Adjuvwe) and Comr. Frank Levi,Comr. Yoweibo Destiny,Comr Oruese amongst others

The summit concluded on a high note with a lively “Suya Night” reception, hosted by Dr. Augustine, leaving participants with lasting memories and renewed determination to lead with purpose.

With its rich discourse and far-reaching impact, the DELSU Leadership Summit stands as a bold step toward shaping a generation of student leaders ready to catalyse change across Nigeria and beyond.