Mulade Urges Oborevwori to Prioritise Riverine Communities in Delta Development Agenda

As the present administration in Delta State enters its fourth year, renowned environmental rights activist, development advocate and House of Representatives candidate for Warri Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to deliberately prioritise infrastructural development in the state’s riverine communities.

Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, expressed concern over what he described as the longstanding neglect of coastal communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities despite their enormous contributions to the state’s economy.

According to him, the riverine areas remain the backbone of Delta State’s economy through oil and gas production, maritime activities and emerging blue economy opportunities, yet have continued to suffer from inadequate infrastructure and limited government presence.

He noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities contribute a significant percentage of the state’s revenue generation through oil, gas and other natural resources, stressing that these communities deserve greater attention in the distribution of developmental projects.

“The communities that sustain the economic prosperity of Delta State should not remain isolated from the benefits of development. There is a need for deliberate government intervention through the execution of strategic infrastructure projects that will unlock the enormous economic potential of our riverine areas,” Mulade said.

The peace ambassador commended Governor Oborevwori for ongoing urban infrastructure projects across the state but appealed to the administration to extend similar attention to coastal communities that have for decades faced challenges of accessibility, underdevelopment and economic exclusion.

Mulade identified several major road projects he believes should form part of the state’s development priorities, including the Ayakoromo-Burutu-Forcados-Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, which would connect several coastal communities and improve access to the Forcados Oil Terminal.

He also advocated for the construction of the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road, describing it as a critical project capable of transforming Delta State into a major economic hub due to the vast industrial and commercial opportunities along the corridor.

Other proposed projects highlighted by the NDC candidate include the Koko-Ogheye-Gbokodo-Opuama Road in Warri North Local Government Area, the Camp-5-Seitorububou-Kurutie-Kunukunuma-Ibefan-Azama-Oporoza-Ogidigben-Yokri/Sokebolou-Obotobo Ring Road, as well as the Ojobo-Ndoro-Aghoro Road linking Delta and Bayelsa States.

According to him, improved road connectivity remains the most effective strategy for unlocking development in the riverine region and achieving the state’s blue economy aspirations.

“Road infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth, investment, tourism and job creation. If government is serious about developing the blue economy, then it must first provide access to these coastal communities where the resources and opportunities exist,” he stated.

Mulade maintained that providing modern infrastructure in riverine communities would not only boost commerce and investment but also promote social inclusion and give residents a stronger sense of belonging within the state.

He urged Governor Oborevwori to use the occasion of Delta State’s 35th anniversary as an opportunity to initiate transformative projects that would permanently change the economic landscape of the state’s riverine communities and reward their contributions to Delta’s development.

The activist reiterated that meaningful development should be inclusive and reflect the interests of all parts of the state, particularly communities that continue to serve as the economic lifeline of Delta State and Nigeria.