Mulade Sheriff Urges Ijaw, Itsekiri Unity to Attract Development in Delta State

Renowned peace and development advocate in the Niger Delta, Comrade (Dr.) Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities of Delta State to embrace peace, unity, and collaboration as a pathway to sustainable development.

Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, made the appeal while addressing some leaders of the two ethnic groups in Warri.

The United Nations Peace Ambassador urged the Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders to rise above ethnic rivalry, stressing that unity and mutual respect would attract investors, infrastructure, and development to their oil-rich communities.

“Frankly, we are disgracing ourselves, and it is highly disappointing that many of us are beating the drum of ethnic war for personal interest and recognition,” Mulade said. “Please, we don’t need division, but progressive ties that will attract investors and development to our communities.”

He lamented that despite contributing significantly to the nation’s oil and gas revenues, as well as the emerging blue economy, both Ijaw and Itsekiri communities remain underdeveloped due to internal conflicts and disunity.

“It is imperative to state that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas in Delta State contribute the highest quota in the oil and gas industry, yet we are deliberately deprived and neglected because of ethnic division and hatred,” he stated.

Mulade further appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders from both ethnic groups to prioritize peacebuilding and development, stressing that continued rivalry had left the riverine areas marginalized while development efforts are concentrated in the upland areas.

“We are victims of underdevelopment because of our individual and ethnic pride. Today, all development efforts are focused upland, neglecting the sources of the resources. We must allow peace and development to thrive,” he emphasized.