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COMMESSA Holds Garri Festival To Highlight Worsening Food Insecurity In Nigeria

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By Oghenerogbome Idoro

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, recently hosted a colourful Garri Festival that brought together students and staff to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most widely consumed staple foods.

The event attracted a large turnout and combined cultural expression, student interaction, and discussions on the importance of garri in Nigerian society, particularly among students.

Beyond the celebration, the festival served as an educational platform to highlight the relevance of garri in everyday life, its production process, challenges faced by producers, and its role as a dependable food source for students.

Speaking at the event, the host, Comr. Mike Abraham, said the festival was organised out of his passion for bringing students together beyond academic activities.

According to Mike, who is the COMMESSA Director of Information and Chairman of its Disciplinary Committee, garri remains a reliable source of food security for students because of its affordability, accessibility, and ease of preparation.

“Garri is considered one of the most important foods among students because it is our go-to meal at any moment. Imagine coming back from lectures tired—garri is the quickest thing you can lay your hands on, and it is not expensive,” he said.

He explained that garri can be consumed in various forms, including soaked in water with sugar and groundnuts or prepared as eba and eaten with soup.

“Students enjoy garri in different ways. You can soak it and drink it, or prepare it as eba. It is flexible, and that is why it remains very popular among students,” he added.

Mike also highlighted some of the challenges faced by cassava farmers and garri producers across the country. According to him, insecurity in farming communities and poor road networks continue to affect production and distribution.

“The challenges garri producers face include insecurity in the bush where they farm cassava and bad roads, which make it difficult to access farms and transport products,” he explained.

Despite these challenges, he noted that garri continues to play a vital role in sustaining both rural producers and urban consumers, particularly students who rely on it as a quick and affordable meal.

Speaking on the significance of the festival, he said the event promoted unity, culture, and awareness.

“The Garri Festival brings people together. It shows how food connects us. I was surprised by the turnout. It is the first of its kind in our faculty, and the participation was massive,” he said.

Students who attended the event also shared their experiences.

Isaac Oghenesero of the Department of Film and Multimedia Studies described the festival as a fun and relaxing event that allowed students to enjoy traditional food together.

He noted that garri remains popular because it is affordable and easy to prepare.

Similarly, Rosemary Akposanfagha, a 100-level student of Journalism and Media Studies, described the festival as enjoyable and refreshing.

Asked which state produces the best garri in Nigeria, she said Delta State stands out based on her experience with its processing methods.

“I can’t really say the best state for garri production, but from my experience, I would say Delta State because the processing there seems more refined compared to some other places,” she said.

Rosemary rated her personal preference for garri as moderate, noting that while she does not consume it frequently, she appreciates its convenience and nutritional value.

“Garri is the fastest food you can get when you come back from lectures and you are hungry. If you don’t have time or strength to cook, you can quickly prepare it before eating something else later,” she said.

She added that noodles would likely be the closest alternative if garri did not exist because of their quick preparation time.

Speaking about the garri served at the festival, Rosemary praised the creative presentation.

“Yes, I tasted it. It was nice and tasteful. They added sugar, ice, milk, and fruits. It gave a healthy and refreshing vibe,” she said.

Her remarks reflected the innovative approach used by organisers to transform a basic student meal into a refreshing dish while preserving its cultural significance.

Overall, participants described the Garri Festival as both educational and entertaining. The event not only celebrated a staple Nigerian food but also created a platform for discussions on food security, student welfare, and agricultural challenges in the country.

The festival ended on a positive note, with students calling for similar events in the future and reaffirming the role of food as a powerful tool for unity and community building.

Abraka Metro

Academic Activities Intensify Across DELSU Abraka Campuses 1 and 2

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By Akpiri Benita

Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has remained busy with academic and student activities across Campuses (Sites) 1 and 2 as the second semester progresses. Students have continued attending lectures, preparing for examinations, participating in research, and taking part in campus programs designed to improve learning and student welfare.

One of the most discussed issues on both campuses in recent weeks has been the condition of the night reading halls. Students using the facilities at Sites 1 and 2 have appealed to the university management for improved electricity, better lighting, and upgraded study facilities. Many students said the reading halls remain important for exam preparation, especially during evening study sessions. 

Academic activities have continued without interruption, with lecture halls recording strong attendance as students complete coursework, practical sessions, seminars, and departmental assignments. Libraries and ICT centers have also remained active as students prepare for continuous assessments and examinations. 

The university administration has also continued implementing academic and administrative updates, including appointments of heads of departments and other institutional activities aimed at strengthening teaching and learning across the university. 

READ ALSO: DELSU Agricultural Farm Boosts Practical Learning Despite Operational Challenges

Students on Campus 2 have continued to make use of administrative offices, the university library, and ICT facilities for registration, academic inquiries, and project work. Student organizations have also been organizing meetings and leadership activities that encourage participation in campus life.

Across both campuses, security personnel have maintained regular patrols while environmental sanitation exercises have helped keep lecture areas and walkways clean. Students have also been encouraged to observe campus regulations and contribute to maintaining a peaceful learning environment.

As the semester advances, students remain focused on achieving academic success while calling for continued improvements in campus infrastructure, particularly reliable electricity and better study facilities. Many believe that these improvements will further enhance the quality of learning and student life at Delta State University, Abraka. 

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Abraka Metro

SUG: The Pillar Of Justice, Unity, And Student Welfare In DELSU

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By Ajirioghene Ederehor

In every higher institution, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) serves as the collective voice of the student body, championing students’ rights and promoting their welfare. At Delta State University (DELSU), the role of the SUG extends far beyond organising social activities or coordinating campus events. It has become a symbol of justice, unity, and student representation, making its contributions to the university community impossible to overlook.

Justice remains one of the fundamental pillars upon which the SUG operates. Every student deserves to be treated fairly, regardless of their background, faculty, department, or level of study. The union serves as an intermediary between students and the university administration, ensuring that legitimate complaints and concerns are addressed through appropriate channels. Whether advocating for fair treatment, engaging the university management on student-related issues, or promoting peaceful dialogue during challenging moments, the SUG continues to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability.

Beyond justice, the SUG plays a significant role in fostering unity within the DELSU community. Delta State University is home to students from different ethnic groups, religions, cultures, and social backgrounds. Despite these differences, the union consistently promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual respect through cultural festivals, sporting competitions, orientation programmes, leadership conferences, and other student-centred activities. These initiatives strengthen relationships among students and create an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated rather than a source of division.

Student welfare remains at the heart of the union’s responsibilities. From advocating for improved learning conditions to organising health campaigns, educational seminars, skill acquisition programmes, and community service initiatives, the SUG continually seeks ways to improve students’ overall experience on campus. Programmes such as free medical outreaches, awareness campaigns, and empowerment initiatives demonstrate the union’s commitment to ensuring that students thrive both academically and personally.

Student Feedback

Theophilus Daniel, a 100-level Political Science student, said in an interview: “The SUG is really doing an awesome job, especially in the area of student welfare. They take it very seriously, and that is highly appreciated. May God continue to uplift them in Jesus’ name.”

Another student, Ryan Peter, a 200-level Education student, also shared her opinion: “Since I gained admission into this great institution called DELSU, the SUG has positively impacted my studies through educational programmes and activities that broaden students’ knowledge. They are doing wonderful work, and I encourage them to continue. Their reward is close.”

The SUG also serves as a platform for leadership development. Student leaders gain practical experience in governance, negotiation, communication, conflict resolution, and public service. These experiences prepare them for greater responsibilities beyond the university and contribute to the development of responsible citizens who can make meaningful contributions to society.

However, the effectiveness of any Students’ Union depends not only on its elected executives but also on the active participation of the students it represents. Constructive engagement, responsible criticism, and collective support enable the union to perform its duties more effectively while remaining accountable to the student body.

As DELSU continues to grow as one of Nigeria’s leading universities, the importance of a vibrant and responsive Students’ Union Government cannot be overstated. The SUG remains a vital institution that protects students’ interests, promotes peaceful coexistence, and works tirelessly to improve campus life. Its commitment to justice, unity, and student welfare continues to strengthen the university community and inspire confidence among the students it serves.

Indeed, the Students’ Union Government is more than a representative body. It is the pillar upon which justice, unity, and student welfare stand at Delta State University. By remaining committed to these ideals, the SUG will continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive, and more progressive DELSU for generations to come.

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Abraka Metro

DELSU SUG Successfully Concludes SUG Week

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By Deborah Efetobor

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Delta State University (DELSU) has successfully wrapped up its annual flagship event, SUG Week. The Synergy, after a vibrant nine-day celebration that energized students across the Abraka main campus and other campuses.

The programme, held from July 4 to July 12, 2026, featured a diverse lineup of activities aimed at promoting unity, talent development, and student growth.

Key highlights included a grand rally and praise festival, intellectual debate competitions, sports finals, cultural fiesta, a trade fair for student entrepreneurs, suya/bole night, pageantry, and a grand Award Night to honour outstanding students and leaders.

Speaking on the event, organizers noted that the theme “The Synergy” was carefully chosen to emphasize collective participation, collaboration, and shared purpose within the student community.

READ ALSO: Lecturers, Students Defy Heavy Downpour As DELSU Holds Epic Photojournalism Festival

The week provided platforms for networking, entertainment, cultural expression, sports, advocacy, and business opportunities, allowing students to connect, showcase their talents, and actively contribute to campus life.

This year’s edition further demonstrates the current SUG administration’s strong commitment to student welfare and vibrant campus engagement.

The union has sustained several initiatives, including the renovation of the SUG Secretariat and other projects targeted at improving the overall student experience.

Students and university stakeholders have commended the well-organized programme for fostering a strong sense of belonging and encouraging development beyond academics. Notably, the week recorded no major incidents, reflecting a peaceful and successful execution.

READ ALSO: DELSU VC Reassures Students On Improved Water Supply In Eco Hostel

The DELSU SUG continues to play an active role in campus advocacy, with indications of more student-focused programmes in the coming months

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