Mulade Urges Gov Oborevwori to Include Riverine Communities in ₦400bn Delta Projects

A prominent Ijaw leader, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), has called on Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider and expand the distribution of projects under the ₦400 billion infrastructure plan to ensure fair inclusion of Ijaw riverine communities.

While the state government approved road constructions, market infrastructure, housing, educational and institutional projects across upland areas, Chief Mulade expressed concern that Ijaw communities remain largely excluded, despite contributing over 50% of the state and national economy through oil, gas, and blue economy resources.

He said: “It is imperative to state that Ijaw areas contributes over 50% of the economy of the state and the nation through oil and gas and blue economy resources, yet critical infrastructure remains largely absent in our riverine areas.”

He urged the approval of strategic riverine projects, including:

• Ayakoromo Bridge, to connect riverine and upland areas.
• Burutu–Ogulagha Road, linking key commercial zones like Forcados Terminal.
• Kurutie–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri Road, connecting Ijaw and Itsekiri communities and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Chief Mulade also called on Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to advocate for equitable development:

“Ijaw leaders must summon the courage to speak truth to power, lobby and demand for development. Our resource contribution should reflect critical and sustainable infrastructural development in our land.”

Despite highlighting marginalisation in riverine areas, he commended the governor for ongoing development and expressed hope that the administration would demonstrate fairness by extending impactful projects to Ijaw communities.

He concluded by urging the governor to revisit the project distribution template under the ₦400 billion infrastructure programme to ensure inclusive growth across all Delta State regions.