*Church, Media Should Collaborate For Truth, Moral Values -Bishop
By Emmanuel Ogoigbe, Warri
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, have charged graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills as critical tools for employment and job creation in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking during the 18th convocation ceremony of DELSU, yesterday, the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the state government is repositioning tertiary education to produce graduates who are not only job seekers, but job creators.
Oborevwori noted that the convocation marked the culmination of years of discipline, learning and character development, describing the 2025 graduating set as a reflection of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and societal transformation.
He emphasized that the future of education must be aligned with 21st-century realities, stressing that institutions must prioritize entrepreneurship, digital literacy and problem-solving skills.
“The world you are entering is highly competitive, but it is also rich with opportunities for those prepared to innovate and adapt. Our graduates must be equipped not just to seek jobs, but to create them,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of higher education through sustained funding, prompt payment of staff salaries and expansion of academic infrastructure, while calling for stronger collaboration between government, private sector and other stakeholders to sustain quality education.
In his address, Prof. Asagba highlighted the growing reputation of DELSU as a leading institution, disclosing that the university was ranked the best state university in Nigeria and 12th overall in the country in the 2025 Times Higher Education rankings.
He described the convocation as a critical academic milestone that not only celebrates graduating students but also provides an opportunity for institutional reflection, policy review and strategic planning.
Asagba disclosed that a total of 871 postgraduate degrees were being awarded during the convocation, including 181 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), 477 Master’s degrees, eight MPhil and 205 Postgraduate Diplomas.
The VC stressed the importance of aligning university education with industry needs, advocating what he termed a “classroom-to-industry approach” to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world application.
He noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced automation are reshaping the global workforce, making it imperative for universities to upgrade laboratories, equipment and teaching methods to meet modern demands.
“It is only through our tertiary institutions that these new technologies can be effectively taught and domesticated. We must act now to ensure our graduates remain competitive globally,” Asagba said.
He also revealed that the university would confer honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians, including HRM Enyi Friday Odini, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi and Olorogun (Mrs) Grace Aghoghovbia, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
Additionally, the institution honoured Prof. Patrick Igbigbi with the rank of Professor Emeritus for his outstanding contributions to scholarship and the growth of the university.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia, a retired Army top brass, commended the Delta State Government for its consistent support, noting that the stability enjoyed by the university is a product of strong collaboration between the government, management and staff.
He, however, called for increased investment in tertiary education, citing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, staffing gaps and the need for modern research facilities.
Ogomudia stressed that universities remain the foundation for national development, urging stakeholders to support innovation-driven education capable of fostering industrialization and economic growth.
The convocation ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, academics and other stakeholders, as graduates were urged to uphold integrity, remain resilient and contribute meaningfully to society.
Church, Media Should Collaborate For Truth, Moral Values -Bishop
Meanwhile, the Supervisory Bishop and Chairman of the Delta State Bishops Forum of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Archbishop Ifiokabasi Udo, has called for stronger collaboration between the Church and the media to promote truth, love and moral values in society.
Archbishop Udo made the call yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri chapel, Delta State, while delivering a goodwill message to journalists during an interactive session.
He commended the chapel for its sustained support to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, particularly in partnering to amplify the message of the “Brotherhood Half Hour” radio programme.
According to him, the present challenges facing Nigeria and the world demand a united front between spiritual leaders and media practitioners in shaping public conscience and restoring hope.
Speaking further, the Archbishop said the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star was “deeply grateful” to journalists in Warri for their professionalism and commitment in projecting messages on life transformation, divine healing and moral reawakening.
He described truth as a shared responsibility of both the Church and the media, citing Biblical principles that emphasise truth as the foundation of freedom and societal stability.
Archbishop Udo noted that the core values of the Brotherhood such as love, faith and hope remain critical in addressing the growing moral decay, violence, corruption, misinformation and intolerance confronting society.
He lamented that families were under increasing pressure, youths were becoming disoriented, and truth was often sacrificed for convenience or material gain.
The cleric warned that the decline of love in society poses grave dangers but stressed that despair was not the answer, adding that sincere collaboration between the Church and the media offers a viable solution.
He said while the Church provides moral guidance and values, the media possesses the power to amplify messages, shape narratives and influence public perception.
According to him, responsible and ethical journalism, anchored on truth and love, can help curb fake news, hatred, extremism and moral collapse, while promoting peace, unity and integrity.
Archbishop Udo urged journalists to continue speaking the truth with love, noting that truth without love could wound, while love without truth could mislead.
On behalf of the Delta State Bishops Forum and the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, he reaffirmed the church’s commitment to sustained partnership with the chapel in spreading messages of love, faith and hope across Delta State and beyond.
He also formally invited journalists to the maiden Delta State Bishops Forum Conference and Retreat, describing it as a platform for spiritual renewal, dialogue and engagement on the role of faith, leadership and the media in nation building.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Oborevwori. File photo.
