DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, and other principal officers of the University, listening attentively to the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Esekumemu Victor Clark, as he delivers the 112th Inaugural Lecture.
By Cynthia Eruotor
The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University (DELSU), Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba has called for the inclusion of the interests of all nations, particularly those in the Global South in international political affairs. Professor Asagba made the advocacy at the 112th in the Series of Inaugural Lectures of the University delivered by Professor Victor Esekumemu Clark, which held on Thursday, 26th June, 2025 at the 750 Lecture Theatre A, Site III, DELSU, Abraka.
In a press statement signed by Dr Ese Umukoro,Deputy Director, Ceremonial Information, Public Relations, Delta State University Abraka, Professor Asagba lamented that Africa is often used as a pawn by world powers in global cold wars. The Vice Chancellor described the inaugural lecture as a timely praising Professor Clark as a gentle and peaceful scholar who thoroughly addressed the topic of the lecture.
DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, responding to the 112th Inaugural Lecture of the University.
The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Victor Esekumemu Victor Clark who is a Professor of International Relations, while speaking on the topic: ,”Politics of the Emerging New Cold War and the Reconfiguration of International Forces: “Where is the Black Bomb?”, observed that the post-Cold War at the international landscape has become increasingly volatile and uncertain due to renewed rivalries and resurgence of nuclear weapon ambitions among global state actors. Citing key events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Israel-Gaza war in 2023 and the more recent Israel-Iran war in 2025, he noted the rising tensions and growing fears of nuclear escalation. These developments, he argued, have diverted global attention from critical issues such as climate change, economic instability, energy security, and more, ultimately exposing the fragility of the current world order. He expressed regret that Africa, often referred to as the Black Continent remains absent from the global nuclear stage.
Professor Clark pointed out that while Nigeria, Libya and Egypt have made efforts to develop nuclear capabilities in a bid to place Africa on the global map, those attempts have not borne fruit. Professor Clark concluded by cautioning that as global and emerging powers continue to pursue nuclear armament, they must remember that nuclear weapons threaten the very survival of humanity. He urged the international community to prioritize efforts aimed at preventing nuclear conflict.
The Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Victor Esekumemu Clark delivering the 112th Inaugural Lecture of DELSU on the topic: Politics of the Emerging New Cold War and the Reconfiguration of International Forces: Where is the Black Bomb?.
Highlights of the inaugural lecture were the decoration of the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Victor Esekumemu Clark with the distinguished medal of DELSU Inaugural Lecturers by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, special musical rendition by the Department of Music, photo sessions of the inaugural lecturer with principal officers of the university, family and friends.
DELSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba, decorating the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Esekumemu Victor Clark, with the Distinguished Medal of DELSU Inaugural Lecturers
Dignitaries that were present at the inaugural lecture included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba and his amiable wife, Dame (Mrs) Elizabeth Olabimpe Asagba; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Hilary Owamah, Provost of Oleh Campus, Professor Elo Ibagere, Registrar of the University, Mrs Rufina Ufuoma Ufiofio, the University Bursar, Mrs. Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, the University Librarian, Dr Josephine Eruterio Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university. Also in attendance were members of the Clark’s family including wife of the Inaugural Lecturer, Mrs. Helen Esekumemu Clark, members of Living Faith Church, a.k.a., Winners Chapel, Abraka, and friends of the inaugural lecturer.