Emmanuel Akarah: A Painful Loss

By Moses Darah
Friday, May 8, 2026

“I know the kind of life I am living
I am living
Watch out for part two!”

I want to begin this tribute with the favourite song of Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, fondly called Don Spino. Those familiar with him would easily remember how passionately he sang those lines, often with deep conviction and confidence. Today, those words echo painfully in my heart as I reflect on the sudden and painful loss of a man whose life touched many people in different ways.

Our paths first crossed when I visited the Pre-Degree Office in Site III to check the result of a friend’s son. I was directed to meet the Deputy Director, Dr. Emmanuel Akarah. He warmly welcomed me after I introduced myself and explained my mission. He checked and informed me of the score. When I returned to my friend, he requested a breakdown of the results by courses. I went back to ask Dr. Akarah, but he politely declined, insisting it would be unofficial to release such details at that time. That encounter revealed his sense of duty, discipline, and professionalism.

Later, while I lived at the staff quarters in Site I and occasionally visited the Senior Staff Club, we met again and gradually became closer. At the time, his closest friends were the late Elidad Ifijemueh, who passed away in 2015, and Comr. Okoye Reuben. They were truly jolly good fellows. At a point, Don Spino gave standing instructions that anytime I visited the club, my first bottle should be charged to his account. I once complained that even on weekends when I travelled to Warri or when I did not visit the Club, bills were still being recorded in my name. But Don Spino had a philosophy that no one is useless in life. No matter how badly a person appeared, he would always say everyone had “their nuisance values.” He advised me not to worry.

When he first declared his intention to contest to represent Congregation in the University Council with the slogan “All for one, one for all”, I campaigned for him initially but later slowed down due to pressure from senior colleagues. He narrowly lost that election by about 13 votes. I blamed myself deeply, believing that if I had pushed a little harder, the outcome might have been different. Yet, I believe he lost not because he lacked popularity, but because the name on the ballot paper read “Emma Akarah” instead of the widely known “Don Spino.” I still remember a colleague telling me afterward that Don Spino did not contest because he could not find his name on the ballot.

At the Staff Club that night, he vowed not to contest again, but Comr. Enite Efe and I assured him there would be another opportunity. The following day, I bought drinks for colleagues at the office to appreciate them for supporting Don Spino. They were shocked and reminded me that he did not win the election. They wondered why the person who lost was the one extending appreciation instead of the winner. Some of them later called him to thank him, and he quickly guessed right that the only person who could have done such on his behalf was “DeMosco,” as he fondly called me. He wisely asked how many drinks I bought. I told him, though not with any intention of getting refunded. But he instructed Sam at the club to refund the money to me. When I later met him, he explained that it was the only way I could accept the refund.

When another opportunity came, I stood firmly with him. I stubbornly served as his agent when many of his friends declined. That decision earned me two strikes and a caution, but in the end, he won.

On December 4, 2024, there was also a frightening moment in his life when he survived an assassination attempt at his Abraka residence. Armed assailants reportedly attacked his home at night, firing gunshots for an extended period and setting parts of the building ablaze. Thankfully, he escaped alive alongside his wife and children. That incident shocked many and revealed the dangers he endured while continuing his life with courage and determination.

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Recently, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada wrote an article titled “My Cocks Wake Neighborhood” and mentioned that I supplied the cocks and hens, humorously adding that he would soon become a merchant without spending money feeding them. Don Spino read the article and called me to supply him with a cock and hen as well, saying he too would like to become a merchant. The last time we spoke about it, he happily told me that the cock was already performing its traditional duties: waking the neighborhood and dominating other broilers around.

Prof. Akarah was not just an academic; he was a vibrant personality, a cheerful soul, a comrade, an activist and someone who carried himself with uncommon simplicity despite his brilliance. He related freely with people, inspired younger colleagues and students, and left memorable impressions everywhere he went. His presence brought life to conversations, gatherings, and intellectual spaces alike. Beyond his lively personality and social presence, he was a respected scholar whose research contributions spanned sports management, sports marketing, sports development, and public health. His works addressed issues such as sports sponsorship, sports entrepreneurship, budgeting for sports development, media coverage of sports, exercise participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and government funding of sports in Nigeria. Among his most cited publications were studies on heavy metal pollution in River Ijana, sports administration in Delta State, and sports marketing in Nigeria.

As a Professor of Sports Management and Sports Marketing at the Department of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Delta State University, Prof. Akarah contributed significantly to academic discourse through journal articles, conference papers, and collaborative research with colleagues and students. His scholarly impact extended beyond the classroom, influencing conversations around sports development and management in Nigeria. Don Spino was not only a man of laughter and human connection but also a committed intellectual whose contributions will remain valuable to the academic community for years to come.

The news of his passing came as a rude shock to many who still struggle to come to terms with the reality of his departure. Colleagues had a nice time with him at the Staff Club last night before they woke up this morning to the sad news. Even without any known sickness, death has once again reminded us of the fragility of life and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Indeed, a great tree has fallen. Okpurhe ghweri.

Though he is gone physically, the memories he created, the lives he impacted, and the legacy he left behind will continue to speak for him. Those who encountered him will forever remember his unique style, humour, intellect, and humanity.

As family, friends, colleagues, and associates mourn this painful loss, may God grant everyone the strength to bear it. May the soul of Don Spino rest in perfect peace. Akpo ke edefa!