Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba: A Vice Chancellor with an Eye for Details

By Danny Kems

Well known for his steadfast adherence to principles and thorough leadership, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba stands very tall as a man of great moral rectitude. His style of leadership has distinguished him as a hardworking and an upright Nigerian.

 

Naturally zealous about development, the current Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka comes across clearly as a competent hand that would not back away from a public interest policy. Perhaps, the most fascinating part of Asagba is that he is a reformer.

 

A highly accomplished scholar, biochemist, and academic leader, Asagba's career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.

 

The seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration began his academic career at the Delta State University, where he steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including:  Head of Department of Biochemistry, Dean of Faculty of Science, and Chairman of numerous university committees.

 

His appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka was not only a testament to his outstanding academic credentials but also a groundbreaking moment. His leadership ushered in a new era of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence at Delsu.

 

Professor Asagba has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, with particular focus on Toxicology. He also authored several personal and peer-reviewed publications, many of which appear in reputable international journals. His research work has been instrumental to the advancement of knowledge in health and nutritional sciences, and his academic excellence and leadership have earned him several professional honors.

 

A member of numerous national and international academic bodies and a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals, Professor Asagba since assuming office as Vice Chancellor of Delsu has emphasized innovation, gender equity, research-driven education, university industry collaboration, Infrastructure development and digital transformation.

 

This devoted and resilient Vice-Chancellor has prioritized institutional expansion and modernization, establishing two groundbreaking faculties to meet emerging academic demands. The Faculty of Health Sciences now encompasses Pharmacology, Nursing, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, while the Faculty of Environmental Sciences resuscitated from the defunct Asaba campus includes Surveying, Estate Management, Geography and Regional Planning, Architecture and Building programs.

 

Further unbundling initiatives have elevated specialized disciplines: Computer Science has evolved into the stand-alone Faculty of Computing, and the Department of Mass Communication has been separated from the Faculty of Social Sciences to form the new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. This faculty now offers diverse programs such as Public Relations, Advertising, Mass Communication, Film and Multimedia Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies.

 

Prof. Asagba's achievements extend to creating three new faculties overall; Environmental Sciences, Computing, and Allied Health Sciences fostering a more dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.

 

Infrastructure development stands as a cornerstone of his administration. Key projects include the construction of an access road linking the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) and the Faculty of Arts. The ongoing construction of the Faculty of Agriculture building addresses long-standing challenges.

 

Since relocating from Asaba, the faculty has relied on the old College of Education structure. “We have started the Faculty of Agriculture structure,” Prof. Asagba noted. “As more money comes in, I hope to finish it within two months. It's a complex of two- or three-story buildings.”

 

Other vital upgrades include the reconstruction of an abandoned 500-capacity lecture theatre; renovation of the 750-capacity Lecture Halls A, B, C, and D, and refurbishment of the old Faculty of Pharmacy building.

 

At the Faculty of Clinical Sciences in Oghara, lecture halls have been renovated alongside the installation of fibre optic internet and a robust 24-hour server room to enhance research connectivity.

 

Power reliability has been strengthened at the ICT centre in Site II with an upgraded server room featuring a 15KVA inverter and 32 panels for constant supply. Additionally, there has been procurement of office equipment and furniture for the current accreditation exercise, ensuring seamless operations across lecture halls and administrative offices. His tenure so far has been marked with efforts to deepen Delsu’s global partnerships while improving internal systems, staff welfare, and student development.

 

Asagba is also known for his meticulous planning. Those who have worked with him echo his reputation for reading memos word by word—ensuring every line counts. This is not just a formality; it's the mark of a leader committed to effective administration.

 

As Professor Samuel Asagba marks his first year in office, he continues to represent the pinnacle of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and gender progress in Nigeria's academic space.

 

As Vice-Chancellor of Delsu, he is not only shaping the future of science and technology education but also inspiring a new generation of leadership.

 

His story is one of dedication, excellence, and breaking barriers; and his legacy will continue to influence the Nigerian academic community for years to come.

 

Danny Kems Is An Executive Director In The Forum For Credible Election And Good Governance In Africa. He Writes From Warri, Delta State.

Tears of Joy and Celebration as both the Esan and the Kalabari Communities Reunite 27 years later

In a display of classic culture and deep tradition, finely laced with an international cast; the families of Iyamabo and Datubo converged in the Rivers state capital, Port Harcourt to join one another in holy matrimony.

 

Supervised by the women, the Igbe finji ( box opening) to show

what the groom had bought for his bride was followed with the bibi fe (buying of the mouth) display which saw both families feed each other with a key assembly of exotic Kalabari dishes carefully prepared and presented to whet the appetites of those present.

 

As per the culture, the bride was to smile only when the expectations had not only been met but were verified to have been met by Fred and true to form Victoria only revealed a perfect set of teeth when the loud chorus of approval was let out by her family fully represented by the women of the house.

 

The significance of the traditional ceremony being that the “unity of the marriage is not just for the two individuals, but for both communities, which we need to see more and more of in present day Nigeria.” This was the view echoed by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, the Chairman of the occasion and brother in law to Fred Iyamabo, the groom.

 

Twenty seven years earlier almost to the day, it was the reverse that played out, when he went to Benin

with his family to do the exact same thing when he took Rosemary, his wife’s hand in marriage. Incidentally it was in his house in London where the couple had met for the first time with nobody the wiser to what fate had in store for them. Incidentally Victoria, who was nicknamed Sandisco by the late King and father of the Chairman maybe on account of her dancing skills, is also a cousin of the Prince.

 

Following completion of traditional rites, the gathering was entertained by live cultural music, the cutting of the cake and special prayers led by Deacon George Betts. The bride's family was led by her older sister, Mrs. Eva Dagogo Princewill, her brothers; Eddy Datubo, Will Datubo and Henry Datubo, while the grooms family was led by the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Flora Iyamabo, his sisters, Caroline Ademiluyi, Elizabeth Uwaifo, Rita Odutola, Florence Iyamabo, Rosemary Princewill, Regina Jemide. and his brother, Victor Iyamabo amongst many other friends and well wishers.

 

MCd seamlessly by Barr. Adaye Duke and Chief Daogigo Amachree, guests partied and feasted their way into the early hours of the morning with the local favourite of Boli and Fish making a very welcome appearance.

 

 

Source: Jenewari Ntiego Alioma

Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses

 

Foreign Investors, Golfers Meet As Smart City Golf Tournament and Business Conference Begin in Delta State

The 2025 Canaan Land Smart City Golf Tournament and Business conference will begin on Friday, December 12 in Delta State. 

“Koko Town has the huge potential for investment, particularly in real estate, agriculture, health, tourism and other areas. So we are expecting professional golfers and investors from different parts of the world’’ a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi, said. 

The golf tournament and business and conference will hold from12-14 December, 2025 in Canaan Land, Koko Town.

”Koko Town is a hub for fishing and shrimping operations. There are a lot of oil and gas companies. Whether you are a local or foreign investor or looking at residential or commercial properties, there is something for everyone in Koko.”

The statement said, ‘’the event will showcase the diverse range of opportunities that the port town has to offer.”

On security, Aganbi said, ‘’Steps have been taken to ensure that visitors from within and outside the country have a secure and conducive atmosphere within which to assess the economic opportunities of Koko.”

He emphasized the tight security in Koko and the hospitality for which the residents are known.

“Top business men in Nigeria and abroad, members of the diplomatic corps and key actors in government across the country are looking forward to converging on Koko beginning from December 12, 2025. They are excited by the prospect of experiencing the hospitality for which the good people of Koko are known for and the vast opportunities for commerce, tourism and industry.”

According to Aganbi, the event is expected to drive long term sustainable economic participation and create new opportunities for local and foreign investors in the area

 

 

Princewill Marks 50 days in office as Da Ogo the VIth, visits the source (Elem Kalabari)

....Attends Kalabari New Year Festival

 

By Nwaorgu Faustinus

 

After 50 days in office, Princewill and key members of Queen Elebabene Da Ogo group of houses headed to the historical town of Elem Kalabari to celebrate the Kalabari New Year in support of the Chief Host and King of the source, HRH Mujahid Dokubo Asari.

 

“The festival is observed on the 16th of November each year with the 15th evening or tide event recognized as the “transition”. The date is tied to a beautiful natural phenomenon of the tidal surge or “turning of the tide” where saltwater pushes back fresh water - considered a natural reset that symbolizes renewal, rebirth and the reaffirmation of identity”, Princewill said.

 

The revived festival is believed to go back centuries with activities ranging from cleansing of the water to a tree planting ceremony which the Prince himself led, and many cultural displays which included the “18 types of Iria”.

 

The colourful festival coincided with the 50 days in office of Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill as Da Ogo the VIth where he has already empowered 20 owners of existing businesses within the group with 500,000 Naira each, launched a medical intervention scheme to address immediate and urgent healthcare needs with 32 beneficiaries already getting urgent medical attention, equipped women and the youths with environmental sanitation material to keep Ogo Polo clean, refurbished the Ogo memorial hall, installed cutting edge solar energy systems, donated 5 million to youth skills development in 5 different disciplines, from sewing to hairdressing to GMP installation, soap and shoe making.

 

A statement signed by Jenewari Ntiego Alioma, Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses and made

available to newspaper editors, publishers, online news platforms and journalists, noted that the Abbi youths skilled jobs scheme was targeted at the wider Abbi group of which Ogo Elebabene is a key part and benefits 160 youths to not only get trained with the practical work experience, but get equipped with working materials to set up their own businesses.

 

Osaki Kpaluku Amachree, the Abbi Youths Chairman on receiving the money thanked the Prince on redeeming his pledge and promised to ensure that the money given will produce visible results in a short space of time. The Prince then went ahead to appoint a monitoring team headed by Chief Daogigo Ebenezer Pepple Amachree to give feedback on a monthly basis on its progress.

All Set for Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s Burial in Lagos

 

Thousands will gather in Lagos on Friday to bid farewell to Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.

 

The woman of courage, good character and wealth died on September 2, 2025 in Lagos.

 

Her funeral activities will begin with Service of Songs and Night of Tributes on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at The Citadel, 274 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island.

 

A statement released by the Ernest Ikoli Foundation praised Elsie Ajayi Ikoli for her strength, hard work, prudence, zeal and care for the family.

 

“We are prepared for the last journey of Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. Her body will be taken from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital on Friday, November 28, 2025 to 26 Eric Moore Close for the Lying-in-State. The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are expected to pay their last respects to her.”

 

The statement emphasized the admirable achievements of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli in the business community and her impressive services in the Lord’s Vineyard.

 

“A funeral service will take place at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island from 10:00am. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli will be laid to rest at Ebony Vault, Ikoyi’’ the statement signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Ernest Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, said.

 

“The celebration of the life of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli will begin from 2:00pm at The Hall Event Center, 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island while the dignitaries will join the family of Nigerian politician, nationalist and pioneering journalists, Ernest Sissei Ikoli at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island on Sunday, November 30, 2025 for the thanksgiving service’’ the statement added.

 

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

 

MWUN Protest At Onne Debunks Alleged Extortion And Lack of Drivers Welfare

 

By Bon Peters

 

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Haulage District Eastern Zone, Onne, Rivers State has staged a peaceful protest at Onne to debunk what the union described as an alleged malicious and unfounded allegations of connivance and extortion levelled against the Union by  a group they refer to as dissidents  within their fold who according to them felt aggrieved over the commencement of Electronic Truck call- Up system otherwise known as E- Call Up at Onne  Port.

 

The peaceful protest which started at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Round-About with a motorcade on Monday morning Nov 17, 2025, proceeded with fanfare and dance to the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) Onne and ended at the Notore Roundabout

 

The protesters, whom majority of them adored in white unionist attire, were also seen singing solidarity songs and dancing to the admiration of passersby.

 

Addressing journalists at the (FLT) Gate, NPA Onne, Port complex, the protesters led by their leaders said their motive for the protest was to put the record straight regarding a malicious and unfounded allegations levelled against them by a group known as Active Containers and Cargo Truck Drivers Association to the effect that MWUN colluded with NPA to extort their members through multiple taxation, lack of drivers warfare among others. Even as the group said they were no longer part of MWUN

 

Debunking the allegations, the Executive Chairman, Haulage District of Maritime workers Union Eastern ports, comrade Ugwu Adolphus said he would not have wasted his effort and that of other MWUN executives to react to the ranting of such an unknown group but to put the record straight.

 

"The purpose of our coming here today is to put the record straight and to debunk insinuations and malicious allegations spreading on social media that Maritime Workers Union haulage district connived with Nigerian Ports Authority to defraud drivers through E- Call up”

 

"I want to tell you that there is nothing like extortion here, Rather the Maritime Workers Union under my leadership as the executive chairman, has been doing everything to see that our drivers are well taken care of, especially with the commencement of the Electronic  Truck call- Up system.

 

Continuing, Comrade Ugwu said “When the E-Call Up system was first introduced, we communicated our concerns to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), highlighting that Onne Port’s unique operational conditions made the system unnecessary, as congestion is minimal here.

 

When the authorities insisted on its implementation, neither I nor the union had the power to halt a federal government policy.”

 

"But let me tell you some individuals approached me demanding that I should stop the E-Call Up rollout.”

 

“I told them that my influence was limited to the union’s scope hence we cannot override federal government directives,” he added.

 

The union leader dismissed claims and insinuations that MWUN colluded with NPA to extort truck drivers.

 

“The allegations of multiple taxation and extortion are false. Our union fees range from N5, 000 to N10, 000, all receipted and applicable nationwide.”

 

Addressing concerns over lack of welfare for workers, Ugwu said, “I challenge anyone to provide evidence of neglect. Our members receive medical treatment when sick; we fund hospital bills, provide befitting burials, and support those with permanent disabilities. "

 

Speaking further, Ugwu insisted those allegations were baseless and only arose due to the implementation of the E-Call Up system.”

 

He stressed that MWUN has no involvement in the E-Call Up program hence it was a brain child of the federal government and Nigerian Ports Authority.

 

"What they are doing is to give us bad names in order to hang us, but it will never Work " Ugwu enthused

 

Also speaking, the unit Chairman, Truck owners of Maritime workers Union, Comrade Uche Ogbu reiterated that their union was that of integrity, personality and responsibility.

 

He insisted that the essence of their union was to protect the rights and privileges of their members especially drivers which he noted they have done by negotiating a very robust haulage fare for the drivers in the Eastern Zone, wondering why some disgruntled elements should go about spreading rumours.

 

He added that the motive behind such fake information was to muscle down the power of the executives vowing that such would not happen .

 

He said E- call-up, was a government policy and that MWUN would never work against it.

 

“Union can't stop government policy but to negotiate."

 

On the E-call Up amount, Comrade Uche Ogbu said Onne at the moment is paying about N15, 000, unlike Lagos.

 

Ogbu however, lampooned those causing confusion insisting that they would fail.

 

For the unit Secretary, Truck owners of MWUN, comrade Casmir Anukanti, "part of the protest is  to pass a vote of confidence in the Ugwu -led administration"

 

Anukanti said Comrade Ugwu has done so much that nobody could dwarf his achievements through cheap blackmail.

 

With a voice vote, the union therefore passed a vote of confidence in Ugwu.

 

The protesters who met with the Traffic Manager NPA Mr. Surajudeen Abolade who represented the Port manager, Onne Port complex, Mr. Abdulramon Hussain said they were there on a solidarity match, urging NPA, to disregard any misgivings from a group they referred to as non-existent.

 

Responding, Mr. Surajudeen Abolade said he was happy to receive them on behalf of the port Manager, saying that the Nigerian Ports Authority is committed to creating an enabling business environment.

 

He promised to take their message to the port manager while urged them not to cause any breach of law and order that might affect their business and that of other port users.

 

Some Truck drivers who spoke to journalists described those who accused MWUN of extortion and lack of welfare as disgruntled and ungrateful insisting that Ugwu -led   Haulage District of Maritime workers Union of Nigeria has done tremendously well.

 

They said any driver accusing Ugwu and his EXCO of not being taken care of, should come with a proof.

 

They however warned those they referred to as mischief makers to engage in other things than resorting to cheap blackmail.