Delta Past Student Leaders Community Reunite, Unveil Plans to Reposition Organisation
The Delta Past Student Leaders Community (DPSLC), popularly known as the Comrade Community, convened a landmark reunion meeting over the weekend aimed at strengthening the organisation’s operational structure, refocus on its original objectives and celebrate its years of existence, service, impact, and shared memories.
The gathering, which took place in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State attracted founding members, political leaders, Corporate/Business Executives, former student union leaders, community leaders, youth activists, and stakeholders from across the nation. The meeting featured keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and an open forum that allowed members to voice concerns and propose actionable solutions.
Feilding questions from newsmen, President of the Delta Past Students Leaders Community, Comrade Pastor Oghenemaro Akpotoboro expressed optimism that the reunion marked not just a reflection of the past, but a turning point toward a more structured and impactful future. "The reunion provided a platform for deep reflection on the founding ideals of the organisation, including advocacy, social justice, social engagement, community-based initiatives, educational support,
unemployment, political participation, educational reform, youth mentorship and community empowerment."
Comrade Oghenemaro Akpotoboro
recounting the organisation’s history said, Members have grown in different areas of specialization, while those who are politically inclined has played a very key role in some of our successive government in Delta state. Currently, we have four local government chairmen who are past student leaders as well as commissioners, captains of industries that are doing very well and bringing great values to the organisation.The Delta Past Students Leaders Community (Comrades Community) is a legally registered organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under RC No: 7029393. We are a vibrant and diverse network of past student leaders, graduates, and activists from higher institutions across Nigeria and the diaspora, united by our shared history in student unionism and activism.
"Our community brings together professionals, leaders of thought, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and advocates from various sectors, driven by a common goal: to harness our collective expertise, influence, and passion for the growth of our members, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole. Our mission statement is to unite, empower, and mobilize past student leaders from Delta State for meaningful contributions to state and national development. Through advocacy, conflict resolution, political engagement, leadership mentorship, and professional collaboration, we champion peace, unity, and sustainable progress. Our motto, ‘Unity & Progress,’ embodies our dedication to fostering an inclusive and thriving future for our members and society.
Continuing he said "Members at the reunion unanimously agreed on the need to strengthening the organisation’s operational structure and refocus on its original objectives. A strategic review was proposed, including the formation of working committees to handle communication, membership drives, and project implementation. This new approach, will allow the Organisation to operate with greater efficiency, influence public policy, and strengthen its network of alumni across various sectors.
"A revised strategic plan is set to be implemented in the coming months, reflecting the group’s desire to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world. A renewed focus was placed on mentorship, policy influence, and grassroots mobilization as key levers for community transformation.A new leadership task force was proposed to steer the community’s revitalization efforts and coordinate partnerships with civic organizations, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. " He said
On his part, Comrade Andrew Efole, Secretary General of DPSLC said that the occasion served as both a celebration of the organisation’s impact and a strategic opportunity to reaffirm its mission."I am glad that the reunion concluded with a renewed commitment to unity and progress, ideals of servant leadership, strategic collaboration, suggestions on how to reposition the DPSLC to better respond to present-day challenges.
"Although officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja in 2023 DPSLC has weathered the over ten years with resilience and unity. The organisation is a combination of people who were student leaders during their university days in Nigeria and the diaspora, those who were actively involved in activism or unionism. and even those who are not actively involved, but so long as you are a graduate, you are part of this community and you must register with the organisation and you must be a financial member for you to be recognized as a member of this organisation.
The reunion ended on a high note, with
Chairman of the planning committee describing the event as very successful.
"I am appreciative of the attendance. From what you can see, it was a full house. Personally, I am happy that we were able to have an event/August meeting today to reflect on the organisation’s legacy and chart a path forward.
in attendance was the current River basin Managing Director (MD) Engr Chuks Erhirhe, the chairman of the Board of Trustee (BOT) Ologe Elijah, Secretary , Efe Felude O. Kwakpovwe, Orhierhor U.D Tom-Smith, Agbaeroh Ovie Valentine, Collins Chinedu Okonkwo, Donald Igudia, Comrade Mike Akpobiri, the special adviser to the chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Isoko South Local Government Council Chairman, Comrade Warri Friday Ovoke, and other personalities.
