Education, rather than ceremony, took centre stage in Ughelli as the values and lifelong commitment of the Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Obukowho Nani, resonated deeply with graduates, educators, and policymakers at the 8th Convocation Ceremony of the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ufuoma-Ughelli.
Although represented at the event by the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton, Olorogun Nani’s presence was felt strongly as the institution honoured him with its prestigious Personality Award in recognition of his sustained support for education and human capital development, particularly within Delta State’s oil-producing communities.
Speaking through his representative, Olorogun Nani described education as the most enduring investment any society can make, urging graduating students to see their certificates as a call to responsibility rather than an endpoint.
According to him, “Education is the foundation of progress,” he said. “I urge every graduate here today to be a worthy ambassador of this institution, to uphold integrity, professionalism, and service wherever life takes you.”
He stressed that true development is driven by educated minds equipped with values, discipline, and a sense of duty to community and country.
“Your success should not end with personal achievement. Let it translate into service that uplifts others and strengthens our society,” he added.
Beyond addressing the graduates, Olorogun Nani also charged the management of tertiary institutions to remain deliberate about quality and standards, noting that the credibility of any educational system rests on consistency, relevance, and excellence.
“Institutions must continually raise their standards. The future of our healthcare system, and indeed our state, depends on the quality of professionals we produce today,” he said.
The convocation ceremony also featured the conferment of Fellowship and Personality Awards on other distinguished public servants, including the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhowho Tonukari; the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onajeme; and the Chief Economic Adviser to the Delta State Government, Dr. Barry Pere Gbe.
Sagboje, in his remarks, described the recognitions as a celebration of service and leadership, noting that they serve as inspiration to young people across the state.
He conveyed Olorogun Nani’s appreciation to the management of the Delta State College of Health Technology for the honour and reaffirmed his principal’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that strengthen education, youth development, and sustainable growth in Delta State.
As graduates filed out of the convocation arena clutching certificates and dreams, the message echoed clearly: education remains the surest path to progress.
In celebrating Olorogun John Nani, the institution did more than honour a public official—it reaffirmed the enduring power of learning, leadership, and values to shape the future of Delta State.
