Effurun, Delta State — Sunday, October 26, 2025 — History was made as the Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku (DSPG) Alumni Association took another bold step in its quest for unity and progress with the official inauguration of the Warri Chapter.
The remarkable event, which took place at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, was a beautiful blend of celebration, reunion, and renewed commitment to collective growth.
Members of the alumni who travelled from far and near to grace the occasion were filled with excitement, describing the inauguration as not just an organisational milestone but a reunion that rekindled old memories and strengthened professional and social networks.
“Warri Is My Home” — President Onowakpor’s Inspiring Remarks
The National President of the DSPG Alumni Association, Comrade Ufuoma Festus Onowakpor, led the ceremony with words that inspired unity, dedication, and a renewed sense of purpose among members.
In his heartfelt address, he expressed profound gratitude to the Warri Chapter executives and planning committee for their resilience, teamwork, and devotion that made the event a reality.
“I want to begin by sincerely appreciating everyone present here today, especially the executives and organising committee of the Warri Chapter who worked tirelessly to ensure this inauguration became a reality,” Comrade Onowakpor began, to the applause of attendees.
He emphasised his deep connection to the Warri Chapter, saying:
“As I mentioned earlier, Warri is home to me. I consider myself part and parcel of this chapter — I am an Urhobo man, and I share in the spirit and energy that Warri represents.”
Acknowledging some of the logistical challenges faced before the event began, he added humorously:
“Ordinarily, today’s event was scheduled to be held by 12 noon, but by God’s grace, we are here now — and that alone is worth celebrating. Under normal circumstances, arriving late for an official event like this would have attracted a fine, but because Warri is my home, and because of the great contributions this chapter has made, I hereby declare — your ‘sins are forgiven.’”
On a more serious note, the National President applauded the Warri Chapter’s contributions even before its official inauguration, describing its members as “pillars of progress” within the association.
“Even before being inaugurated, Warri played a significant role in the activities of our alumni body. Your commitment, sacrifice, and consistency have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
He urged members not to let their participation end with the inauguration but to continue building momentum, both at the state and national levels.
“I want to beg all of us that after today, your participation and commitment should not end here. Keep the fire burning. Continue to support the Warri Chapter and also lend your voice and contribution to the national body. I know that the voice of Warri will play a major role in ensuring the DSPG Alumni Association gains greater recognition nationwide.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing Nigeria — particularly unemployment and economic hardship — Onowakpor called for stronger collaboration between alumni members, the institution, and the government.
“We are aware of the challenges our nation currently faces, but with unity and active engagement, we can position our alumni to attract support from the government and other stakeholders. I have personally spoken with the Chairman of the Polytechnic Governing Council and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State that it would not be out of place for our alumni to be considered in empowerment and employment programs — even if it’s just a few slots. This institution has produced over 20,000 graduates, and our members deserve to benefit from such opportunities.”
He also emphasised the importance of consistent communication and active participation, announcing the creation of a digital communication platform to strengthen unity and coordination among members.
“If you are not yet on our DSPG Alumni WhatsApp platform, please reach out to us. We want everyone to stay connected, informed, and involved. Feel free to share ideas, suggestions, and opportunities that can benefit our members.”
Concluding his address, Comrade Onowakpor reminded members that true alumni spirit lies in giving back — but also in staying alive and healthy to make that contribution.
“Alumni associations are about giving back, but we must stay alive to give back. Let’s take care of ourselves, stay safe, and remain united so that we can continue to make good moves that benefit all of us. Thank you, and may God bless you.”
Warri Chapter Chairman Pledges Unity, Empowerment, and Growth for Alumni Members
On his part, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Warri Chapter, Comrade Omamuyovwi Augustine Ojarikre, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to building a vibrant and united alumni community.
According to him, the motivation behind taking up the position was driven by the desire to strengthen the association and ensure that the voices of graduates are heard and represented effectively.
“One of the reasons why I took up this position is because, over the years, we have seen a lot happening in our institution, and we thought it wise to follow up and fight for the growth of this association,” Ojarikre said. “Ordinarily, before now, students had not held these positions — they were managed mostly by staff — but to God be the glory, today, we are the ones managing it. From the National level down to the Chapters, we are taking responsibility.”
He further stated that the establishment of the Warri Chapter marks a new dawn for alumni engagement and development across Delta State.
“Now that it has gotten to the chapter level, our goal is to reach out to alumni within the Warri axis, unite our members, and carry out projects that will benefit both the National body and our local chapter. By the grace of God, through this platform, we will empower many of our members,” he assured.
Ojarikre emphasised that his administration would prioritise inclusivity and connectivity among members, ensuring that no alumnus feels left out of the body’s activities.
“Many of our members have been disconnected, but now that my Excos and I have come into office, we’ll do our best to bring everyone together. We will create a database to reach out to all our members and build a very strong bond that can never be broken,” he said.
In his characteristic Warri spirit, the chairman added with enthusiasm:
“As you know, Warri nor dey carry last! By the grace of God, we will create a bond so strong that when you call one person, a hundred people will answer. That’s the unity and energy we want to bring into this chapter.”
Also speaking, Comrade Oghenemaro Eyanu Kingsley, an Alumni member and Councillor representing Ovu Ward in the Local Government, offered heartfelt prayers for unity and effective leadership within the DSPG Alumni Association.
“My prayers for the Alumni are that they may remain united and that the chairman will carry everybody along,” he said.
He further urged the leadership to pay attention to the welfare of members, noting that such efforts would help restore pride in the institution and correct misconceptions about its credibility.
“The leadership should look into the welfare of DSPG Alumni so that those outside will know that the school is not a scam — this is one of the opportunities to prove that it is not,” Oghenemaro emphasised.
The inauguration of the Warri Chapter marks a significant step forward for the DSPG Alumni Association’s vision of establishing strong regional structures that promote collaboration, development, and shared opportunities among graduates of the institution.
Members at the event described the inauguration as “a fresh start” and “a long-awaited dream fulfilled.” The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and hope as old friends reunited, shared memories, and discussed new ways to contribute to the growth of the association and their alma mater.
As the event came to a close, the message was clear: the DSPG Alumni Association is not just a community of graduates — it is a family committed to progress, unity, and service to humanity.
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