DELSU Mourns, As ‘Don Spino’ Is Laid To Rest

By Ese Umukoro

The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.

Lying-in-state of the Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, aka Don Spino.

Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.

Professor Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Professor Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.

He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU.

Professor Asagba in conclusion stated that Don Spino’s legacy would hardly be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.

The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah.

In his commendation earlier, Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Professor Ochuko Eric Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.

Professor Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge. He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws. Professor Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.

Dean of Faculty of Education, Professor Florence Ugorji in her oration said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him. Represented by Professor Canice Ikeorji, she further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of the soul of late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah.

Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone Oshagwu, in his tribute bemoaned the loss of Don Spino. Comrade Oshagwu remembered the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis. The ASUU-DELSU Chairman while closing his tribute stated that the passing of Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement. Comrade Oshagwu then led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.

The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba. The remains of Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, aka Don Spino, were later taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment. Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021. The Service of Songs for the Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah was earlier held on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the commendation service included Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Professor Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Education Faculty represented by Professor Canice Ikeorji, Heads of Departments including the Head of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science Department, Professor Ochuko Eric Nabofa, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.

Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Professor Sunny Ijirhevwe Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Aviedo Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Professor Onos Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Professor Uyoyou Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.