By Toju Dogun

The Delta Comrade Community (DCC), Delta State University, (DELSU), Abraka, hosted the maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey” with the theme “The Hallmark of a Comrade” on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) Large Hall.

The event, which began at 12:00 p.m., brought together university management, student leaders, alumni, government representatives, and members of the comrade community to celebrate leadership, service, mentorship, and the enduring legacy of student activism.

Delivering the opening address, the Chairman of the Delta Comrade Community, Comrade Efe Eyela Kelvin, described the gathering as a celebration of the voices, sacrifices, and achievements of comrades who have served the university community.

He noted that being a comrade is not about occupying positions but about the lives touched and the legacy left behind.

Kelvin encouraged students to embrace selfless service, stressing that leadership should be built on integrity, commitment, and continuity.

He thanked members of the community and supporters of the initiative while officially welcoming guests to the maiden edition of “A Journey to Odyssey – Episode One.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Prof. Samuel O. Asagba, applauded the initiative and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to improving students’ welfare.

He announced plans to simplify the clearance process for graduating students, making it easier for them to complete their exit procedures. He also disclosed that more computers would be provided at the CBT centres on Campuses II and III to improve students’ access during examinations.

Prof. Asagba further urged students to uphold discipline, integrity, and progressive leadership while working closely with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) to promote peace and development within the university and was also Awarded for his dedication of the University and also thanked the governor of Delta State for his support in Educational system.

Speaking on the history of the Delta Comrade Community, Dr. Comrade Onovughegbor Augustine, a former SUG President, class coordinator, faculty president, administrator, Special Adviser to the

Vice-Chancellor, and NASSADU Student Engagement official, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his responsiveness to students’ concerns.

He commended the university management for supporting students, particularly beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing Prof. Asagba as a “working Vice-Chancellor.”

Augustine also acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Leonard Iboyi Collins, the Dean, representatives of the local government council, and other university officials for their financial, moral, and administrative support.

Also speaking, Dr. Pedro Chibuzo Obi explained that the Delta Comrade Community was revived to reconnect former student leaders and strengthen relationships between alumni and current student leaders.

He stated that the initiative was aimed at building stronger leadership networks and ensuring that experienced comrades continue to mentor younger generations.

Dr. Obi praised the Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for the revival of the community and expressed confidence that competent and visionary leaders would continue to emerge from the institution.

During the event, several distinguished personalities received awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to leadership, education, and student development.Hon. Chief Sunday Onoriode received the Global Impact Leadership Award, while Hon. Leonard Iboyi

Collins was honoured for his commitment and support to students. Copies of leadership teaching materials were also Available in both soft and hard copy formats.

The Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Executive Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area was also honoured for supporting the event and promoting student development.

The award recipient appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and encouraged students to remain committed to leadership and service.

The organisers equally recognised sponsors whose contributions ensured the success of the programme. Among those honoured were Princely Hotel and Suites, C Interior, Lylon Wardrobe, FreshCo Laundry, Logo App, DL Design, Like Shopping Mall, Scent by Bliss, and Good Life Award for their support and commitment to youth empowerment.

The event also recognised the contributions of SUG President Comrade Kingsley Dumuje, Director of Finance, Idudhe Orevaughene Emma, and other members of the Students’ Union Government for their dedication to student leadership.

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Delta Comrade Community, Comrade Efe Eyela Kelvin, thanked the Vice-Chancellor, the Delta State Government, university management, student leaders, sponsors, alumni, and members of the comrade community for making the programme a success.

Participants described the event as an important platform for promoting mentorship, leadership development, networking, and unity among present and former student leaders.

The programme ended with a renewed commitment to sustaining the ideals and legacy of the Delta Comrade Community at Delta State University, Abraka

By Chetachi Egbu

The Delta State House of Assembly has declared the seat of the lawmaker representing Udu State Constituency, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, vacant following his defection from the political party on whose platform he was elected.

The decision was reached during plenary on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor. Members of the Assembly unanimously adopted a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo.

In his ruling, Speaker Guwor said the action was taken in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states that a member of a State House of Assembly shall vacate his seat if he defects from the political party that sponsored his election, except where such defection is caused by a division within the party or a merger involving political parties.

The Speaker explained that the House reviewed the lawmaker’s notification letter on his defection and found no evidence of any internal division within the party that could justify his continued occupation of the seat.

“Having satisfied the constitutional requirements, this Honourable House hereby declares the seat of the Honourable Member representing Udu State Constituency vacant with immediate effect,” Guwor ruled.

Following the declaration, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin the process of conducting a bye-election to fill the vacant position.

The development has generated political reactions across Delta State, with supporters of the lawmaker’s new political party faulting the decision. They described the declaration as unconstitutional and politically motivated, arguing that the matter should be determined by a competent court.

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, also criticised the Assembly’s action, stating that the constitutional provision relating to division within political parties should have been properly considered before declaring the seat vacant.

However, the House maintained that its decision was based strictly on constitutional provisions. Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi said no evidence of a genuine division within the party was presented to warrant an exemption under the law.

Legal observers noted that any challenge to the Assembly’s decision would ultimately be determined by the courts, adding that previous cases involving legislative defections have depended on judicial interpretations of constitutional provisions.

Political analysts say the development could influence political activities in Delta State in the coming weeks as stakeholders await INEC’s response on the proposed bye-election and possible legal actions arising from the declaration.

By Emoghene Deborah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining economic reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy and attracting investment during a meeting with a delegation from Deloitte Africa at the State House, Abuja.

The delegation, led by Deloitte Africa Chief Executive Officer, Ruwayda Redfearn, commended the Federal Government’s ongoing fiscal and financial reforms and expressed the firm’s readiness to partner with Nigeria in promoting investment, digital transformation, youth development, and job creation.

President Tinubu said the administration’s economic reforms, though challenging, have laid a solid foundation for recovery and long-term growth. He noted that the government remains committed to strengthening fiscal management, improving revenue generation, and creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

“The reforms have steadily stabilised the economy over the past three years, and we are beginning to see positive indicators of growth,” the President said.

Redfearn stated that Deloitte, which operates in more than 150 countries and employs over 500,000 professionals worldwide, is prepared to support Nigeria’s reform agenda by leveraging its global expertise in digital transformation, business innovation, and capacity development.

She noted that the organisation looks forward to collaborating with the Federal Government to drive sustainable economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.

Also speaking, Deloitte West Africa Chief Executive Officer, Yomi Olugbenro, said Nigeria had made significant progress through its economic reforms but stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits are felt by ordinary citizens.

According to him, Deloitte remains committed to supporting government initiatives that promote inclusive growth, strengthen institutions, and create employment opportunities.

The meeting forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing engagement with international organisations and private-sector stakeholders to deepen economic reforms, strengthen investor confidence, and promote sustainable national development.

Some Nigerians who reacted to the development expressed cautious optimism about the potential impact of the partnership.

A university student described the engagement as a positive step, saying it could attract new investments and innovative ideas capable of improving the country’s economy.

“I think it is a good move because it can bring new ideas and investments that may help Nigeria’s economy,” the student said.

A 100-level Biochemistry student expressed hope that the reforms would produce tangible results.

“I hope it works because the cost of living is very high,” the student said.

Divine E., a Nursing student, said stronger collaboration between the government and international organisations could support economic growth.

“They can provide expert advice, support businesses, create job opportunities, and attract foreign investors to Nigeria,” she said.

A market trader urged the government to focus on improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

“The government should reduce the prices of goods in the market and create better job opportunities for young people,” the trader said.

Similarly, Abigail E., a graduate of Delta State University, said the success of the reforms should be measured by improvements in the daily lives of citizens.

“I will believe the reforms are working when food prices become more affordable, unemployment declines, and businesses begin to grow,” she said.

Economic analysts say sustained implementation of fiscal reforms, increased private-sector investment, and effective policy execution will be critical to achieving the government’s long-term development objectives and delivering measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.