“Leadership Doesn’t End At Graduation; It Begins There” — Efe Eyela Unveils Vision Behind DELSU Comrade Community

By Akpobomeh Oghenerukevwe

The Pioneer Chairman of the Delta State University (DELSU) Comrade Community (DCC), Comr. Efe Eyela Kevin, has described the organisation as a bold response to the long-standing disconnect between student leadership and life after graduation, insisting that comradeship must evolve into a lifelong commitment to leadership, mentorship and nation-building.

Speaking after the maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey,” themed “The Hallmark of a Comrade,” Eyela said the Community was founded on the shared conviction of former student leaders that alumni engagement within the university needed to be strengthened, particularly among those who had served in the student movement.

“We realised there was a gap that needed to be bridged. Student leadership should not end with the handing over of office or the collection of a degree. There must be a structure that keeps leaders connected, mentors younger comrades, and continues to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

According to him, the DELSU Comrade Community was established to unite past and present comrades under one platform where experience, mentorship and collaboration can flourish, while ensuring that the aspirations of students remain linked to those who once walked the same path.

He explained that the Community is designed to complement existing alumni structures by creating a leadership network through which former student activists can continue to contribute to institutional development, mentor emerging leaders and inspire future generations.

Addressing questions on the proposed 5,000-man solidarity march in appreciation of the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Eyela dismissed suggestions that the initiative was politically motivated. He maintained that the march is intended to recognise policies and interventions that have had a direct and positive impact on students across Delta State.

He cited the Governor’s consistent payment of students’ bursaries, DESOPADEC bursaries, infrastructure development across tertiary institutions, and the recent re-award of the long-abandoned DELSU Senate Building project as clear demonstrations of the administration’s commitment to education.

“Recognition should follow performance. When leaders make decisions that positively affect students, it is only fair that students acknowledge those efforts. Our support is rooted in visible impact, not political sentiment,” he stated.

Reflecting on the maiden edition of the programme, the DCC Chairman described the event as the fulfilment of a vision nurtured through months of planning, sacrifice and determination.

Despite initial doubts about the feasibility of the initiative, he said the overwhelming turnout of university administrators, government officials, alumni and student leaders underscored the power of vision backed by persistence.

He noted that the calibre of personalities in attendance elevated the programme beyond a conventional campus gathering.

“What happened here today was bigger than a university event. It became a meeting point between government, academia, alumni and students—a convergence of leaders united by a common vision for the future,” he said.

ALSO READ: NDDC Empowers Niger Delta Youths With Critical Reading Skills To Counter Misinformation

Eyela also commended the keynote speaker, former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Hon. Dr. Pedro Chibuzor Obi, for delivering an inspiring message that challenged young people to dream boldly, prepare intentionally and remain steadfast in the face of obstacles.

He added that one of the greatest lessons from the event is that leadership is defined not by titles but by purpose, resilience and service.

As the DELSU Comrade Community begins its journey, Eyela expressed confidence that the platform would grow into one of the university’s most influential leadership networks, producing graduates who remain connected not only to their alma mater but also to one another and to the broader task of nation-building.

“Our vision is simple but enduring: to ensure that every comrade understands that graduation is not the end of leadership; it is the beginning of a greater responsibility to society,” he said.