By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Civicist Rex Anighoro, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to tertiary education and youth development, describing the appointment of Prof. Sam Ovete Aghalino as Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University as a demonstration of the administration’s resolve to strengthen the education sector.

Anighoro gave the commendation while addressing students at the maiden edition of the Citizens’ Pulse Engagement held at Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba, under the theme, “Building a Well-Informed Citizenry for National Development.”

The programme, organised by the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) Capstone Group Class of 2026 under the #FixNigeria Initiative, brought together students, academics, civil society actors and traditional leaders to discuss civic responsibility, political participation and national development.

Speaking during the event, Anighoro congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Ovete Aghalino, and the Registrar, Dr. Florence Ngozi Nweke, on their appointments, while applauding Governor Oborevwori for prioritising higher education across the state.

“I thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for appointing a scholar and astute administrator to lead this university and for prioritising tertiary education in Delta State. Today, Delta has over 20 tertiary institutions spread across the three senatorial districts. That investment is an investment in you, the students. It is an investment in Delta’s future,” he said.

Anighoro challenged students to move beyond passive observation and become active participants in governance, stressing that education should empower citizens to contribute meaningfully to societal development.

“Stop being spectators and start being citizens,” he charged, noting that while students constitute a privileged minority within Nigeria’s population, that privilege comes with responsibility.

According to him, surveys conducted by civic organisations revealed that a significant number of Nigerian students could not identify their elected representatives, a development he described as troubling for democratic growth.

“A degree does not make you educated if it cannot change the condition of the world around you. Education is not just for certificates and jobs; it is for citizenship and nation-building,” he stated.

The keynote speaker, Deacon Okezi Odugala, Founding Coordinator of the Delta State Civil Society Actors Community, urged students to actively engage governance processes through the use of the Freedom of Information Act, budget monitoring, public petitions and social advocacy.

“The kind of leaders we have are products of the kind of followers we are. Citizenship is active, not passive,” he remarked.

Earlier, the Head of Department of Public Administration, Dr. Teddy Isonah, described vote buying as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democracy and called for renewed civic consciousness among young people.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, the outgoing Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Lucky Enakirerhi, urged students to take advantage of the engagement and become more involved in governance issues affecting their communities.

Student Union Government President, Comrade Onyia Nnamnedum George, announced arrangements for voter registration ahead of the July 2026 deadline and encouraged students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Similarly, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Obaro Egagifo, urged students to stop blaming others for societal challenges and instead participate actively in shaping the future through responsible civic engagement.

Panelists at the event, including Barr. Smart Edoge, Deputy Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly; Amb. Augusta Impact Keneboh of AFRODEP Organisation; Dr. Austine Ejovi of Dennis Osadebay University; Comrade Ambrose Egbe of the Delta State Civil Society Actors Community; Dr. Martin Atamu; Mr. Testimony Asiagwu of USGEAAN Nigeria; and Mr. Ndubuisi Benzcalitos Nnanna, all challenged students to become more politically aware, engage elected officials and contribute to strengthening democratic governance.

A major highlight of the programme was the commissioning of 13 Citizens’ Pulse Ambassadors and the launch of a dedicated platform designed to sustain civic engagement among young people.

Organisers revealed that more than 90 per cent of students present could not sing the National Anthem, about 80 per cent lacked PVCs, while over 90 per cent could not identify their elected representatives, underscoring the need for intensified civic education and voter awareness campaigns.

In his closing remarks, Anighoro urged students to cultivate patriotism, reject vote selling, resist the growing “Japa” mentality, obtain their PVCs and hold elected leaders accountable.

“The Nigeria you inherit will be shaped by the decisions you make today. Leave here committed to being a citizen, not just a graduate. We must raise the standards, make the difference and show a more excellent way,” he said.