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.

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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.

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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.

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.