DELSU Comrade Community Hosts Historic Leadership Summit, Honours Asagba, Onoriode, Pedro Obi, Others

By Faith Ebireri

The Delta State University (DELSU) Comrade Community (DCC), under the leadership of its Chairman, Comr. Efe Kevin Eyela, has successfully hosted its maiden leadership and comradeship summit, A Journey to Odyssey, bringing together students, alumni, government officials, university administrators and prominent personalities in a celebration of leadership, service and legacy.

The historic event, themed “The Hallmark of a Comrade,” was held on Wednesday at the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) Large Hall, Site III, Delta State University, Abraka, attracting a capacity audience from across Delta State.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof. Samuel Oghenovo Asagba; the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Augustine Usinefe Ogedegbe, JP, represented at the event; the Delta State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Collins Ogheneruona Leonard Iboyi; and former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dr. Pedro Chibuzo Obi.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Pedro Obi challenged student leaders to look beyond the pursuit of political offices by deliberately creating value, building sustainable careers and attaining financial independence. He noted that economic empowerment gives leaders the courage to defend justice and speak against oppression without fear.

He further urged comrades to cultivate integrity, competence and meaningful relationships, stressing that history celebrates individuals whose impact and character outlive the positions they once occupied.

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

Dr. Obi also encouraged students to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture and business, while calling on the university management to revitalise the institution’s alumni association as a strategic platform for institutional growth and sustained engagement.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the DELSU Comrade Community, Comr. Efe Kevin Eyela, reflected on the organisation’s journey from its challenging beginnings to the successful hosting of the landmark summit.

He described the event as the product of resilience, sacrifice and collective determination.

«”This event once seemed impossible because of the many obstacles before us. Today, we dedicate this achievement to every comrade who has been part of the struggle,” he said.»

The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Amb. Barr. Comr. Durmje O. Kingsley, welcomed participants and commended the impressive turnout, describing the gathering as a testament to the unity and strength of student leadership within the university.

Addressing the audience, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Samuel Oghenovo Asagba reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with the Students’ Union while commending the Comrade Community for promoting peace and stability on campus.

He highlighted several achievements recorded under his administration, including the establishment of 25 new academic departments and additional faculties, as well as improvements in campus infrastructure.

Prof. Asagba also disclosed that DELSU’s successful registration on the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking platform significantly contributed to the institution’s emergence as Nigeria’s Best State University.

As part of ongoing reforms, he announced that the student clearance process had been streamlined to only four units—Departments, Faculties, Students’ Affairs and the Bursary—to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.

The Vice-Chancellor further revealed the establishment of a whistleblower mechanism designed to protect students from harassment and encouraged them to remain disciplined while working with the university management to advance institutional excellence.

Providing historical insight into the evolution of the organisation, the Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Students’ Engagement, Sen. Dr. Onovughegor Augustine, recounted the struggles that gave birth to the DELSU Comrade Community.

He described the organisation as a movement that has grown beyond campus activism into a formidable network connecting students, comrades and alumni of Delta State University.

“The DELSU Comrade Community has come to stay as a movement that continues to strengthen ties between students, comrades and alumni of Delta State University,” he declared.

Dr. Augustine also announced plans to mobilise a 5,000-student solidarity march in support of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

In his remarks, Chief Sunday Onoriode reflected on his experiences as a student activist more than two decades ago, urging young people to prioritise capacity building, personal development and professional competence above the mere pursuit of political positions.

Drawing from his journey from campus activism to becoming the Delta State Director of Protocol, he encouraged students to build lives founded on excellence, integrity and continuous self-improvement.

The summit climaxed with an elaborate investiture and award ceremony honouring distinguished individuals, alumni and corporate organisations for their outstanding contributions to student leadership, community development and the advancement of comradeship.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Samuel Oghenovo Asagba was invested as the Grand Patron of the DELSU Comrade Community and presented with the Outstanding Leadership and Excellence Performance Award.

Chief Hon. Augustine Usinefe Ogedegbe, JP, received the Global Impact Leadership Award, while Chief Sunday Onoriode was honoured for his inspirational leadership. Sen. Dr. Onovughegor Augustine received the Lifetime Student Leader Achievers Award.

Other award recipients included Comr. Obawharievbo Onajite (Aluta Peco), Dr. Pedro Chibuzo Obi, Hon. Collins Ogheneruona Leonard Iboyi, alongside corporate partners and sponsors such as Iyke Shopping Mall, Panni Bar and Restaurant, Olokpo App, Fresh Fold Laundry and several other organisations for their unwavering support to the DELSU Comrade Community.

The successful hosting of A Journey to Odyssey marked a defining moment for the DELSU Comrade Community, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing principled leadership, strengthening institutional partnerships and inspiring a new generation of leaders whose enduring legacy will be defined by character, service and impact.