Abraka Metro
Hunger By 2027: DELSU Students Say ‘We Need Farms, Not Just Fertiliser
By Elijah-ofovwe God’scarring
Students of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka have revealed that the Federal Government’s current agricultural interventions will not be enough to avert a looming food crisis, insisting that access to farmland, markets and youth training is more urgent than the distribution of fertilizer and tractors alone.
The reaction follows a projection by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, FEWS NET, that 16.99 million Nigerians could face acute hunger by January 2027.
The report blamed conflict in northern Nigeria for disrupting cultivation, restricting household income and keeping staple food prices high despite the expected December harvest.
Nigeria was ranked fourth globally on the list of countries with the highest number of people in need of urgent food assistance.
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government has rolled out several measures under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
These include the distribution of 250 tractors, 50 harvesters and 150,000 bags of fertilizer flagged off in Niger State by the First Lady, the securing of 534,219 metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2026 wet season under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, and the approval of 8 agro-industrial zones across the country to drive value addition in cotton, cashew and soybean.
The government has also attracted $500 million from the World Bank for the Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Project and $200 million from the African Development Bank to scale climate-smart farming and youth inclusion.
But students at DELSU say the policies are not reaching young people, and without structural changes, the hunger figures will continue to rise.
Speaking during an interview at the Abraka campus, the students expressed concern that government programmes arefocused only on inputs and not on the systemic challenges that prevent youth from farming.
They said land, credit, training and guaranteed markets must be prioritized if agriculture is to be attractive to graduates. President Sheikh, a 200 Level mass communication student, linked the hunger projection to insecurity.
He said many farmers in the North cannot access their farms, which drives up prices nationwide and worsens food insecurity.
He called for improved security and the introduction of off-taker agreements so farmers know who will buy their produce before planting.
“The 16 million hunger figure is scary, but conflict is stopping farmers from cultivating.
“Security must come first. After that, give us off-taker agreements so when we plant, we know who will buy.
“Fertilizer without market is a waste” he said.
Mathias Precious, a 300 Level student of Agriculture, said most students are willing to farm but lack access to land.
She noted that fertilizer distribution makes headlines every year, but it means little to those who have no plot to cultivate.
“We hear about fertilizer every year, but where is the farm?
“Most youth or farmers do not even have one plot of land.
“If government gives us access to land around Abraka and Ughelli, we will farm. We need farms, not just fertilizer.
“Otherwise by 2027 a bag of rice will be ₦120,000” she said.
Also speaking, Akomakowe Destiny, a 200 Level SLT Biochemistry student, said mechanisation will only work if young people are trained to operate equipment and are linked to credit and buyers.
He argued that agriculture is still viewed as labour for the elderly because graduates have no guarantee of profit.
“The tractors and harvesters are a good step, but who will operate them?
“Where are the young people in the plan?
“Government should give us training, loans, and guaranteed buyers.
“Agriculture cannot be for old people alone. If there’s market, DELSU graduates will go into farming” she said.
Another student from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Adingwupu Ifechukwde Favour, faulted Nigeria’s continued export of raw agricultural produce such as cashew and cotton.
She said the country loses an estimated N2.5 trillion annually in agricultural export deficits because value is not added locally, and that students can help close the gap if given the opportunity.
“Nigeria is still exporting raw materials instead of finished goods.
“That is why food is expensive.
“DELSU has students who can process and brand food.
“Bring those 8 agro-industrial zones closer to schools.
“Do not just drop fertilizer and go” she said.
Agricultural stakeholders have described Nigeria’s challenge as a “market access problem disguised as post-harvest loss.”
They argue that value addition, rural infrastructure and financing are critical to unlocking the sector’s potential and making agriculture profitable for young Nigerians.
The World Bank AGROW Project and AfDB’s NAGS-AP are both designed to address parts of this gap through digital farm registries, climate-resilient seeds and improved input access.
In Abraka markets, the impact is already being felt.
Traders say the price of Tomatoes, Pepper and other agricultural produce has continued to climb, forcing many students to cut down on meals.
The students said if government is serious about food security, universities must be treated as hubs for production, not just consumption.
As the 2026 wet season progresses, DELSU students say the solution must go beyond inputs.
They are calling for farmland allocation to schools, practical training in mechanisation, and the establishment of processing hubs within and around campuses to drive youth participation.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
READ ALSO: DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
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 Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with 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, adding that his legacy would not 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 deceased.
READ ALSO: Students Adjust To Portal Upgrade Under DELSU VC Administration
In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
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.
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.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter 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 before the remains of Don Spino were 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.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund 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, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, 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, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Postpones Second Semester Examinations. See New Date
-
Education3 months agoDELSU Announces Admission Into New Diploma Programmes For 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Views Point3 months agoOPINION: Agriculture, Nigeria’s Fading Goldmine
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoExperts Urge Students To Embrace AI With Open Hearts
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Bans “Sign Out” Parties, Threatens 2-Semester Rustication For Violators
-
Education3 months ago28-Years-Old Man Swindles JUPEB Students, Diverts N15 Million School Fees
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Begins Postgraduate Admission for 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Entertainment3 months agoWorld Cup 2026: US-Iran Tensions, Local Travel Hurdles, Global Friction Shape Fan Atmosphere
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoDELSU SUG Tackles Academic Decline with ‘CGPA Recovery Initiative’ for Junior Students
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising Cost Of Living Forces Abraka Students To Adopt Survival Strategies
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising House Rents Put Pressure on DELSU Students in Abraka
-
Abraka Metro2 months agoElozino Ogege: Lecturers React As Court Sentences Killers Of DELSU First-Class Student To Death
-
Trending News3 months agoAbraka Residents Advocate Entrepreneurship, Warn Against Gambling Amid Economic Hardship
-
Education3 months agoChallenges Persist at DELSU Agricultural Farm Despite Student Training
