By Christabel Adigbo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University, Abraka Branch, has elected new executives to run the affairs of the Union for the next two years.

The elections which took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Education, Site III of the University saw the emergence of Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone as the Branch Chairman for a second term after polling 90% of the total votes.

Other elected executives were Comrade Emmanuel Oghenekparobor Emama who emerged as Vice Chairman after polling 100% of the total votes, Comrade Festus Omosor who emerged as Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes, Comrade Frank Oris Ebiaghan who emerged as Treasurer after polling 99% of the total votes, as well as Comrade Nicholas Onyemechi Alumona who emerged as Financial Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes.

The remaining elected executives were Comrade Paul Otujevwe Ogbe who emerged as Investment Secretary after polling 99% of the total votes, Comrade Abigail Oghenekevwe Ohwo who emerged as Internal Auditor after polling 94% of the total votes and Comrade Onome Norah Ekoko who emerged as Welfare Officer after polling 100% of the votes.

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Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, while speaking prior to the elections told members of Congress that the electoral process had been fair and transparent acknowledging the peaceful conduct of members throughout the process.

Professor Tarurhor, then read out the guidelines of the voting exercise.

Also, Coordinator of Benin Zone of ASUU, Comrade Monday Igbafen, who led the ASUU National Delegation, appreciated ASUU-DELSU members for the manner the electoral process went as they was no petition against the process or any aspirant.

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Comrade Igbafen thereafter informed Congress that their role as national delegation was to monitor the elections and report to ASUU’s national secretariat the outcome of the elections.

Speaking after the elections on behalf of the elected executives, the newly elected Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone, expressed appreciation to members of Congress for the peaceful elections.

He also told Congress members that his second tenure would consolidate on the gains of his first tenure.

Comrade Opone in conclusion pledged to continue to work for the welfare of members and promote the ideals of ASUU.

In another development, the management of Delta State University, Abraka has approved an extension of the sales of 2026/2027 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening forms.

The university also extended the deadline for change of course on the university portal.

By Olayinka Oritsesan

The deteriorating condition of some buildings at Delta State University (DELSU) Site 1, Abraka, coupled with a noticeable decline in student presence, has raised concerns about the changing state of one of the university’s oldest academic locations.

Several buildings and facilities within the campus show visible signs of ageing and inadequate maintenance, while student activities appear considerably lower than in the past. The situation has left parts of Site 1 unusually quiet and scanty outside the areas still occupied by academic departments and other essential facilities.

Site 1 remains home to several university facilities, including the Institute of Education, sports facilities, staff schools, Works and Services and Physical Planning departments, as well as the university’s printing press and other DELSU Investment Limited facilities.

However, beyond these facilities, the campus now records relatively limited student movement compared with the larger concentration of students found in other parts of the university.

Richard Ometie, a 100-level Music student who receives lectures and participates in other academic activities at Site 1, said the condition of the campus has become noticeable to students who regularly use the location.

According to Ometie, there has been a massive drop in the number of students visiting Site 1, leaving large portions of the campus quiet and sparsely populated.

He observed that apart from students and workers associated with the printing press, a few faculties and departments, users of the sports facilities and pupils and staff of the university’s schools, the campus is often relatively dry.

The situation has contributed to the perception of Site 1 as a less active part of the university, particularly when compared with areas where academic and administrative activities attract larger numbers of students.

The physical condition of some of the buildings adds to the concern. Ageing walls, worn surfaces and other visible signs of deterioration are evident in parts of the campus, giving some structures an appearance that reflects years of use without sufficient refurbishment.

For students like Ometie, who still attend lectures at Site 1, the condition of the environment is more than an issue of aesthetics. It forms part of their everyday academic experience.

The reduced student population in the area also raises questions about the future use and maintenance of existing facilities. With fewer students regularly moving through some sections of the campus, some facilities and spaces appear to have lost the level of activity associated with a busy university environment.

DELSU’s own historical documents show that Site 1 was developed originally to accommodate academic programmes, administrative buildings, sports and recreational facilities, as well as staff and student accommodation. As the institution expanded, additional facilities were developed at other sites to meet growing space requirements.

The gradual shift of major university activities to other locations has therefore changed the character of Site 1 over time.

Despite this, the site continues to support important academic and institutional activities. Music students and other students still use facilities there for lectures and related academic work, while the sports facilities and staff schools continue to attract members of the university community.

The need for maintenance and rehabilitation is particularly significant against the backdrop of wider infrastructure development at DELSU. Government budget documents have included major infrastructure projects for the university, including a multipurpose lecture theatre and a Faculty of Science building at the Abraka campus.

While the construction of new facilities can help address the university’s expanding needs, students and other users of Site 1 may also expect attention to be given to existing structures.

Regular maintenance, renovation of ageing buildings and improvement of facilities could help restore the appearance and functionality of the campus while making it more attractive for academic and extracurricular activities.

For Site 1, the challenge is therefore not simply about old buildings. It is also about the gradual reduction in activity around a campus that once accommodated a much broader range of university operations.

As DELSU continues to develop its infrastructure, giving attention to Site 1 could help preserve its existing facilities, improve the experience of students who still use the campus and potentially restore some of the activity that has gradually declined.

For students such as Ometie, who continue to attend lectures there, the hope is that Site 1 will not remain a forgotten part of the university’s development story.

By Annabella Esiri/David Akpovwa

A young lady has gone public with allegations that she was assaulted and nearly gang-raped by a group of men in Otor-Iyeded community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, during a local festival.

In a video shared on TikTok under the handle @dge_redoii, the lady, who appeared distressed and was speaking from what she said was a hospital, recounted that the incident occurred on the day she went out to get kegs for her business in Ugele.

According to her account, she entered a commercial motorcycle to Otor-Iyede, which she identified as her father’s village.

She alleged that upon arrival, a group of more than 20 men surrounded her.

“I was minding my business and then about four immediately dragged me out and dragging my hair, using stick to beat me,” she said in the video.

She further alleged that the men touched her inappropriately and attempted to take her to a hotel.

The woman said she was rescued after calling her mother, who then contacted relatives.

She stated that her uncles and the police were alerted and she was taken to her uncle’s house.

She expressed frustration over the response she received from community members, alleging that she was told “this is the tradition” and that “they are not going to do anything.”

“I don’t have evidence because I could not video it… but they should do something about it,” she said, appealing for authorities to investigate.

As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Command has not released an official statement on the allegation.

Efforts to reach community leaders in Otor-Iyede for comment were ongoing.

Human rights advocates have urged the police to investigate the claims thoroughly and ensure the safety of the alleged victim.

The video has since sparked reactions online, with many calling for justice and protection for women and girls during cultural festivals.

Editor’s Note: The allegations in this report are based on the account given by the individual in a public video. Delta State University, Abraka, and other authorities have not yet confirmed the details. Victims of sexual assault are advised to seek medical attention and report to the nearest police station or support organizations.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can contact the Nigeria Police Force, NAPTIP, or local support centers for assistance.