WARRI/Nigeria: Renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D., has lauded the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as an unprecedented infrastructural revolution transforming the state under his leadership.
Mulade, an environmentalist and community leader of Delta origin, commended Governor Oborevwori for his visionary and inclusive approach to governance, which he said has earned him widespread admiration across political lines. He particularly praised the governor’s decision to engage construction giant Julius Berger Plc for the three major flyover projects in Uvwie Local Government Area within the Warri axis, as well as the proposed flyovers in Ughelli and Agbor, describing the move as a testament to the governor’s commitment to quality and sustainable infrastructure.
“Let me specifically appreciate the governor for using Julius Berger Plc for these landmark projects,” Mulade said. “This demonstrates his resolve to deliver durable and impactful infrastructure that will ease traffic, stimulate commerce, and enhance the overall economic landscape of Delta State.”
While applauding the administration’s ongoing stormwater drainage and extensive road construction projects across the state, Mulade urged the governor to extend the same level of infrastructural development to the riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups. He stressed that despite contributing over 60 percent of the state’s economy through oil, gas, and the blue economy, these regions remain largely underdeveloped.
“It is important to remind His Excellency that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas, which sustain the state’s economy, deserve equal infrastructural attention,” Mulade stated. “The 2026 Delta State budget should prioritise critical projects such as the Ayakoromo Bridge, the Torugbene–Ojobo Road, and the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road.”
He further appealed to the governor to replace the token gesture of 1 or 2-kilometre concrete walkways with major link roads that connect the coastal areas to the upland, saying such projects would boost economic integration and unlock the vast potential of the region.
Mulade also called on Governor Oborevwori to deploy reputable construction firms like Julius Berger to handle key riverine projects for quality and durability, noting that doing so would cement his legacy as a governor who delivered balanced development across Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori has performed excellently in urban infrastructure,” Mulade concluded. “Extending that same drive and commitment to the riverine areas will write his name in gold and endear him to the Ijaw and Itsekiri people—just as former Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori did with the historic Bomadi and Omadino bridges that linked coastal communities to the upland.”
