Education
“A Better Nigeria Will Come Through Pain” — Chief Sunday Onoriode Tells DELSU Students
By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe
The Director of Protocol, Delta State Government, Chief Sunday Onoriode, has urged Nigerian students to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building, saying the current hardships facing the country are part of the process that will ultimately produce a better Nigeria.
Chief Onoriode made the remarks while speaking at the “A Journey to Odyssey” event organised by the DELSU Comrade Community (DCC) at Delta State University (DELSU), where he also expressed gratitude to the founding fathers and organisers of the community for the honour bestowed on him.
Dedicating the recognition to comrades across Nigeria, he commended the organisers for creating a platform that promotes leadership, mentorship and national consciousness among students.
He said he was impressed by the calibre of students at the event, noting that their maturity and passion for leadership strengthened his confidence in Nigeria’s future.
> “I see maturity. I see future leaders. I see people that are willing to take our country to the next level,” he said.
Reflecting on his days as a student, Chief Onoriode recalled leaving DELSU 29 years ago after spending seven years as an undergraduate due to repeated industrial actions. He, however, said the present generation of students had given him renewed hope for the country.
According to him, if students were asked whether they desired a better Nigeria, the overwhelming majority would answer in the affirmative, stressing that genuine national transformation often comes with sacrifice.
> “A better Nigeria cannot come without pains, and that is the pain we are passing through today. This pain will pass, and Nigeria will be better,” he stated.
The Director of Protocol also applauded the DELSU Comrade Community for its planned 5,000-man solidarity march in support of his principal, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in the Delta State Government.
> “We are Deltans, and we know that our government is doing well. I receive the 5,000-man march with my full chest,” he said.
Chief Onoriode further praised the Vice-Chancellor and the university community for sustaining an atmosphere of peace and academic excellence, adding that DELSU graduates continue to distinguish themselves in various fields across Delta State and Nigeria.
He also expressed delight at the personal growth of several young leaders he has observed over the years, including Pedro, whom he described as someone who has matured remarkably.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth development, he pledged to continue mentoring young people and encouraging them to embrace responsible leadership.
> “I want to mentor all of you. I am not tired of mentoring,” he said.
He concluded by thanking the organisers for the honour and expressed confidence that with the dedication, resilience and patriotism of young Nigerians, the country would overcome its present challenges and achieve a brighter future.