By John Okomideghe

Religious leaders in Abraka have called on students to take their education seriously, warning them against distractions that could affect their academic performance and future ambitions.

The call was made during a youth programme at a church in Abraka, where students were advised to make education a priority and develop habits that would help them succeed academically.

Speaking with our correspondent after the programme, Pastor Daniel Okoro, a youth coordinator, said students needed proper guidance because many young people were faced with different distractions, including excessive use of social media, peer pressure and poor time management.

“Education is something every young person should take seriously.

“As religious leaders, we try to remind our youths that what they do today can affect their future.

“They should learn to manage their time and give enough attention to their studies,” he said.

According to him, religious leaders do not only have the responsibility of teaching religious values but also of guiding young people in making responsible decisions.

He explained that during youth meetings, students are often encouraged to set academic goals, attend lectures regularly, complete their assignments and avoid activities that could negatively affect their studies.

A student of Delta State University, Abraka, who identified herself as Esther, said the advice she receives from religious leaders has helped her understand the importance of balancing her religious activities with her academic responsibilities.

“Sometimes, when we are distracted or tired of studying, the advice from our leaders reminds us why we started.

“They encourage us to work hard and not allow temporary problems to make us give up on our education,” she said.

Another student, Emmanuel, said religious leaders also encourage students to seek help when they experience academic difficulties instead of keeping their problems to themselves.

The influence of religious leaders on students is also noticed by some residents of Abraka.

Mrs. Grace Okiemute, a resident of the community, said religious institutions could contribute positively to the development of young people by providing them with proper guidance.

“Young people need people who can guide them.

“When religious leaders encourage students to stay focused and make good decisions, it can have a positive effect on the community,” she said.

Apart from regular sermons and youth meetings, some religious organisations in the area organise programmes where students are encouraged to discuss their academic challenges.

These programmes may include mentorship sessions, career talks and discussions on discipline and responsible behaviour.

Pastor Okoro further advised parents and guardians not to leave the responsibility of educating their children entirely to schools and religious organisations.

He urged parents to communicate regularly with their children and pay attention to their academic progress.

He also encouraged students to understand that academic success requires consistency rather than last-minute preparation.

“Students should not wait until examinations are close before they begin to study.

“Small efforts made consistently can make a big difference,” he added.

While religious leaders can provide motivation and guidance, students also have a personal responsibility to make use of the opportunities available to them.

Teachers, parents and community members all have roles to play in helping young people remain focused on their education.

For many students in Abraka, where academic activities form an important part of community life, the encouragement from religious leaders serves as an additional source of motivation.

Their message remains simple: students should remain disciplined, avoid unnecessary distractions and work toward building a better future through education.

By Ifeoma Agetu

Panic gripped the student community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, on Tuesday afternoon as a sudden fire outbreak ripped through a cluster of commercial kiosks right outside the busy Site 1 ‘Small Gate’ entrance.

The incident, which began at approximately 1:15 PM during peak lecture hours, completely destroyed at least four makeshift shops where students routinely purchase snacks, stationery, and laundry services.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fire was triggered by a power surge from a nearby electricity pole immediately after the public power supply was restored.

Within minutes, thick black smoke billowed into the air, visible from the campus main library and surrounding lecture theatres, sending hundreds of students and local commercial motorcycle riders scrambling to create distance from the scene.

“I was just inside the campus archway heading towards the mass communication department when I heard people screaming ‘Fire! Fire!’ from the Small Gate,” recalled Oghenetega, a 200-level Economics student who witnessed the initial chaos.

“By the time I rushed closer, the entire roof of the photocopying shop was completely covered in flames.

“The breeze was very strong, so it carried the fire to the next kiosk in seconds.

“Everyone just started running because nobody knew if there was a cooking gas cylinder inside those shops that could explode.”

As the fire raged, student volunteers and local traders bravely mobilized a makeshift emergency response, using buckets of water and detergent mixed with sand from nearby construction sites to suppress the flames before they could reach the main university perimeter wall.

The absence of a dedicated emergency firefighting unit stationed on or near the Abraka campus became glaringly obvious during the hour-long struggle, as victims stood by helplessly watching their livelihoods turn to ashes.

The Small Gate serves as one of the primary foot-traffic arteries for undergraduates living in off-campus private hostels, making the lunchtime disaster highly disruptive.

While campus security personnel quickly cordoned off the area to prevent looting and maintain order, the emotional toll on the affected shop owners was heavy.

“Everything I use to feed my children is gone,” lamented a popular vendor known affectionately as Mama Blessing, who operated a retail provisions shop at the spot.

“The deep freezer, the drinks, the snacks I just bought yesterday—all gone.

“If not for the brave students who poured sand, the fire would have crossed the gutter into the residential houses opposite the gate.”

By Osarumwense Success

Popular Nigerian TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has married fellow content creator Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, known online as Jarvis.

The wedding trended across TikTok, X and Instagram for over a week and has sparked wide debate among young people.

Recall, Peller rose to fame in 2024 through live streams and skits.

Jarvis, also a creator, is known for tech and comedy content.

The couple confirmed they had completed both traditional and court weddings in a private ceremony with family and close friends.

At Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, the news dominated student conversations in lecture halls, hostels and on social media.

While some students celebrated the union, others questioned the timing, citing age, education, and career pressure.

To capture campus opinion, Interview was conducted with four DELSU students.

Their views reflect how young people on campus are processing marriage.

Isaac Gloria, a 200-level student from department of Mass Communication believes education and career stability should come before marriage.

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw the videos. Peller is just 20 years old.

“His career is just starting to blow up and he has so much ahead of him.

“Marriage is not just love and posting pictures.

“It comes with bills, pressure and responsibilities that can distract you.

“I feel like education should have come first.

“He should finish school, build a stronger structure for his brand, and then think about marriage.

“Fame does not last forever.

“Trends change every month on TikTok.

“What happens if content creation slows down in two years?

“What will he fall back on?

“That is why having a degree and a backup plan matters.

“At 20, there is still a lot to learn about life, money and people.

“I am not saying he cannot marry later, but right now it feels rushed.

“He needs time to grow personally before adding the pressure of marriage.

“I wish them well, but I think the timing is wrong,” she said.

Ovie Efe, a 100-level student from the department of Film and Multimedia believe adults have the right to decide for themselves.

“No one has the right to choose for another person.

“Peller and Jarvis are both adults. If they love each other and they have decided to marry, then we should respect that.

“People online are acting like they know everything about their relationship but on the contrary we do not.

“Maybe they prayed about it.

“Maybe they talked to their families and planned it well.

“We cannot tell. Social media will always talk, whether it is good or bad.

“That is just how it is.

“Marriage does not mean your career must end.

“Look at creators abroad who got married young and are still doing very well because they support each other.

“Jarvis is also a creator, so she understands the job.

“That can even make things easier for them. Instead of dragging them, we should allow them to live.

“If it works, fine. If there are challenges, they will learn and adjust.

“It is their life, not ours,” he said.

Another student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared diverse views on the marriage, saying, “I do not think it is totally wrong, and I do not think it is totally right.”

“It depends on the couple.

“Marriage at 20 is possible, but it is not easy at all.

“There will be pressure from fans, pressure from content creation deadlines, and pressure from family expectations.

“If Peller and Jarvis have mentors and if they plan their finances well, it can work.

“But if they entered it without thinking, the stress can break them.

“Young couples in the public eye need counseling and strong boundaries.

“They must create time for work, time for rest, and time for each other.

“If they do not balance it, one side will suffer.

“Content creation is already stressful with trends and hate comments.

“Adding marriage means they must communicate more.

“My prayer is that they succeed, but they must be very intentional.

“They should also protect their privacy because too much public opinion can destroy a young marriage,” the person said.

Godsgift Smart a final-year from the department of Science Laboratory Technology , says the marriage can bring stability.

“I think it is a good decision.

“This content creation space is stressful.

“You are always online, always chasing trends, and always dealing with criticism.

“Having someone you trust by your side can help you stay grounded.

“Jarvis is also a creator, so she understands the pressure.

“That means they can support each other instead of fighting the job.

“Love and partnership matter a lot in this industry because it can be lonely.

“Age is just a number if two people are ready to work together and build.

“Many people criticize without knowing their background, their faith, or their plans.

“We do not know what God has told them. Instead of dragging them, we should encourage them.

“If this works, it will show other young people that you can build love and career at the same time.

“I wish them strength and peace,” he said.

Peller’s marriage to Jarvis has sparked real conversation at DELSU about age, education, career and love in the age of social media.

Some students say it is too early. Others say it is their choice.

Others believe it can work with planning, and some see it as a positive step.

As they begin married life in the spotlight, the outcome will likely depend on how they balance fame, responsibility and partnership.