A Journey To Odyssey: DELSU Comrade Community Charts New Course For Leadership Beyond Campus

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

The Delta State University (DELSU) Comrade Community (DCC) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, made a bold statement on the future of student leadership as it hosted the maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey,” themed “The Hallmark of a Comrade.”

The landmark event brought together past and present student leaders, government officials, university management, industry leaders, and members of the DELSU alumni community in a celebration of leadership, mentorship, service, and purposeful nation-building.

More than a ceremonial gathering, the event provided a platform for reflection on the enduring values of comradeship and the responsibilities that accompany leadership long after graduation.

The occasion attracted an impressive array of distinguished personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglas Omotor; the Dean of Students, Prof. Efebe; the Director of Protocol, Delta State Government, Chief Sunday Onoriode; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Hon. Tony Edafiogho; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Gen. Comr. Dio Oghale Rex; former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and keynote speaker, Hon. Dr. Pedro Chibuzor Obi; Dr. Comr. Onovughegor Augustine, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Student Engagement and National Director of Health, NANS; former JCC Chairman, Delta State, Comr. Ogbe Collins; PGSAN President, Comr. Caleb Iwhorin; Comr. Omovigo; Comr. Omote Kelly; representatives of the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area; the Students’ Union Government leadership led by its President; as well as numerous past and present comrades, alumni, and invited guests.

A Vision Beyond Graduation

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the DELSU Comrade Community, Comr. Efe Eyela Kevin, popularly known as “The Digital Adjuvwe,” explained that the concept of “Odyssey” aptly reflects the journey of every comrade—a path defined by sacrifice, resilience, growth, and service.

According to him, no accomplished leader emerges overnight, as every success story is built on years of preparation, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

He described the DELSU Comrade Community as a platform established to unite both past and present comrades, ensuring that the ideals of the student movement remain alive beyond the university campus. He explained that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between student activism and the wider DELSU alumni community while creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, networking, and continuous leadership development.

Leadership Is a Journey, Not a Destination

The keynote address by former NANS President, Hon. Dr. Pedro Chibuzor Obi, was the intellectual highlight of the event.

Speaking on “A Journey to Odyssey: Defining the Hallmark of a Comrade Through the Lens of My Personal Experience, Me, Us and the Future,” Dr. Obi drew from over fifteen years of experience in student leadership to challenge young leaders to embrace intentional living and purposeful service.

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He described leadership as an unpredictable journey marked by victories, setbacks, sacrifices, betrayals, and invaluable lessons, stressing that every experience prepares an individual for greater responsibilities.

Sharing his personal story, he recalled how a decision he made as an undergraduate to one day become President of NANS became the compass that guided every major decision in his life.

> “Dreams without plans remain wishes,” he declared, urging young people to write down their visions, set measurable goals, and remain disciplined enough to pursue them.

Dr. Obi cautioned against pursuing titles without adequate preparation, insisting that leadership is ultimately measured by impact rather than position.

> “The office does not make the man; the man gives meaning to the office,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of relationships, describing trust, credibility, and loyalty as the greatest political capital any leader can possess.

Drawing an analogy from football, he encouraged comrades to compete fiercely in politics without destroying relationships.

> “Fight on the pitch. Compete fiercely. But never hate permanently. Today’s opponent may become tomorrow’s greatest ally.”

He further urged young leaders to invest in personal development, entrepreneurship, financial independence, and institutional strengthening, emphasizing that character—not titles—defines true leadership.

> “Do not allow your title to become your identity. Let your character become your identity.”

DELSU’s Rising Profile

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba commended the DELSU Comrade Community for creating a platform that reconnects generations of student leaders while promoting responsible leadership and mentorship.

Recalling his undergraduate days, the Vice-Chancellor said the gathering brought back fond memories of his experiences as a student activist. He also applauded the Students’ Union Government for sustaining constructive engagement with the university management through dialogue.

Prof. Asagba equally praised Dr. Pedro Obi’s keynote address, describing it as practical, inspiring, and highly relevant to the realities of leadership.

Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the Vice-Chancellor pointed to significant improvements in student welfare, hostel accommodation, water supply, electricity, campus infrastructure, academic expansion, and digital transformation.

He disclosed that DELSU has introduced 25 new academic programmes, established the Faculty of Computing, expanded programmes in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, and introduced new disciplines, including Criminology and Local Government Studies.

Prof. Asagba also celebrated the university’s growing academic reputation, revealing that DELSU is now the highest-ranked university in Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions and ranks 12th nationally, attributing the achievement to quality research, improved academic standards, and strategic institutional reforms.

He further highlighted the university’s transition into an ICT-driven institution through online fee payment systems, digital certificate processing, improved computer-based testing facilities, and reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and extortion during student clearance.

The Vice-Chancellor urged students to complement management’s efforts by upholding discipline, integrity, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership.

Grand Patron Investiture and Awards

A major highlight of the event was the investiture of Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba as the Grand Patron of the DELSU Comrade Community, in recognition of his commitment to student welfare, institutional development, and constructive engagement with the student community.

The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Recognition to distinguished personalities who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service across academia, governance, entrepreneurship, and the student movement.

Among the recipients were Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba; Chief Sunday Onoriode, Director of Protocol, Delta State Government; Hon. Dr. Pedro Chibuzor Obi; entrepreneur Mr. Duru Ikenna, Chief Executive Officer of Ologbo Apps, 3CEE Hotels, and I.K. Supermarket; Comr. Ogbe Collins; alongside other notable leaders, industry captains, and deserving comrades.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

As participants departed, one message echoed throughout the auditorium: comradeship does not end at graduation—it evolves into a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

The maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey” proved to be far more than a ceremonial gathering. It laid the foundation for a movement dedicated to preserving the ideals of leadership, mentorship, integrity, and service within and beyond Delta State University.

By bringing together accomplished alumni, university administrators, public office holders, entrepreneurs, and student leaders on one platform, the DELSU Comrade Community has established what promises to become one of the institution’s foremost annual leadership engagements.

Indeed, as the keynote speaker aptly reminded participants, history remembers not merely those who occupied offices, but those who used those offices to create lasting impact.