In a show of commitment to improved educational sector, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, on Monday, presented an 18-seater bus to the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, describing the gesture as “only the beginning” of greater interventions to come.
The bus, initially requested by a former SUG President, was presented with thunderous applause during a campus visit by the Delta Central lawmaker that quickly turned into a broader engagement on leadership, innovation, and federal collaboration.
The senator’s gesture, however, went beyond transportation support. Dafinone used the opportunity to engage students, faculty, and administrators on the importance of education, skill-building, and leadership rooted in humility. “This bus is symbolic,” he said. “You need nine more to solve the transport challenge. But this visit will generate the visibility needed to attract more support, and I promise to do more.”
Welcoming Senator Dafinone, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, described the occasion as historic. “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a Senator has visited our polytechnic and stepped into the Rector’s office,” he said. “It’s a testament to humility. Some Senators are unreachable, but here you are—clapping and singing with students.”
The Rector also praised the Dafinone family’s contributions to education and industry. “Without any iota of flattery, I believe his family holds the record for the highest number of chartered accountants in the world,” Ufuophu-Biri stated. “And here he is, not just continuing that legacy, but expanding it through service.”
Senator Dafinone acknowledged the institution’s strides, promising to connect them with federal opportunities. “I saw TETFund buildings here. That means this institution is already in Abuja’s line of sight. We’ll build on that,” he said. “Many federal agencies are willing to support schools that show initiative. This relationship will open more doors.”
Beyond academics, the senator urged students to embrace entrepreneurship. “This certificate you’re pursuing is important, but the world is also looking for people with skills,” he said. “You can earn up to N200,000 a month through agriculture. With one or two acres of land, one or two hours a day, you can build a future. Education is the foundation, but innovation is the key.”
Professor Ufuophu-Biri also showcased some of the institution’s own innovations, including a recently developed wireless generator that runs without fuel. “These achievements stem from a culture of peace, unity, and staff-student cooperation,” he said. “This is an institution where education truly meets enterprise.”
In a speech reflecting national pride, Senator Dafinone reminded students of Nigeria’s potential. “Many think oil and gas are our most valuable assets. I disagree—it’s our people. Nigerians succeed across the world. That same spirit is in you,” he said. “What you do with your time here will shape the future of this country.”
As part of the visit, the senator was taken on a tour of new facilities, including a soon-to-be-commissioned administrative building. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is expected to inaugurate the structure during the institution’s convocation on May 31, 2025, and Senator Dafinone was officially invited.
“This bus belongs to you,” Dafinone told the students as he handed over the keys. “Let it be a reminder that your voice was heard—and that more is coming.”
