WARRI/Nigeria: Renowned human rights and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, extended his heartfelt New Year wishes to all Deltans and Nigerians for a prosperous 2024. Mulade, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), reflected on the past year’s events and challenges, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address prevailing issues.
“In 2023, amidst intense political campaigns and subsequent elections at various government levels, the nation witnessed significant transitions. However, the withdrawal of petrol subsidies led to hyperinflation, escalating transport fares, and a strain on the economy,” noted Mulade. He lamented the tragic massacres perpetrated by terrorists across the country, exacerbating Nigeria’s security crises.
Chief Mulade, also known as the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, highlighted the significance of cherishing life in the face of adversities. “Surviving into the new year is a cause for celebration,” he remarked. However, he cautioned against complacency, stating, “The economy is yet to recover from subsidy shocks, causing severe hardships for many families, escalating unemployment, and prompting Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad.”
Praising the leadership of Rt. Hon. Francis Sheriff Oborevwori, the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and current Governor, Mulade acknowledged the strides made in fostering unity among Deltans and driving developmental initiatives.
Presenting a comprehensive 7-point agenda to Governor Oborevwori, Mulade delineated critical areas imperative for Delta State’s advancement:
- Inclusive Governance: Mulade advocated for an all-encompassing government, transcending political, religious, and ethnic divides, emphasizing equal opportunities for all Deltans to contribute to the state’s progress while cautioning against political sycophancy.
- Development of Neglected Areas: He urged the allocation of resources from the 2024 budget to uplift neglected riverine regions, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas, addressing historical infrastructural neglect.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Mulade lauded the government’s stance against substandard projects and urged sustained efforts in infrastructure diversification, foreign investment attraction, and bolstering security measures.
- Environmental Preservation: Mulade stressed the importance of environmental sustainability, urging collaboration with federal agencies to mitigate gas flaring, discourage pollution, and promote sanitation.
- Education Enhancement: Recognizing education as fundamental to progress, he called for improved educational facilities, especially in the riverine areas, to minimize the number of out-of-school children and ensure quality learning environments.
- Agricultural Empowerment: Emphasizing the significance of agriculture, Mulade urged government-led initiatives to engage youths and women in farming, promoting food sufficiency and exports.
- Security Prioritization: He underscored the need for robust security measures to stimulate investor confidence, job creation, and overall peace in the state, emphasizing collaboration between state and federal security agencies.
Mulade urged Delta State residents to extend their utmost support to Governor Oborevwori’s “MORE Agenda,” emphasizing that the 7-point agenda presented would fortify the state’s economy and position it as a global investment destination.
In conclusion, Chief Mulade expressed optimism that diligent implementation of these strategies would propel Delta State towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity in 2024.
