WARRI/Nigeria: Chief Sheriff Mulade, a Delta State-born development and peace advocate, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the creation of the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure. Mulade, who is also the initiator of the Coastal Areas Development Agency (CADA) and the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, praised the move as a significant step towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficits in Delta State’s riverine areas.
Speaking in Abuja during a chat with journalists, Mulade, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), lauded the governor’s decision as a reflection of his commitment to inclusive governance. He particularly noted the appointment of Chief Ebikeme Clark as an indication that Oborevwori is a true democrat, intent on ensuring that all segments of the state, especially the often-overlooked riverine communities, are included in the state’s development agenda.
“I must commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this bold step, which is long overdue. It shows that the governor has a listening ear, and I believe that through the establishment of this ministry, the riverine areas will be given a sense of belonging and will experience a new lease of life if adequately funded,” Mulade stated.
He highlighted the significant contributions of the riverine areas to Nigeria’s economy, noting that these regions host key maritime, oil, and gas production activities. Despite their economic importance, Mulade pointed out that these areas have suffered from neglect, lacking many basic amenities even after decades of oil exploration.
“We have been crying for years over the deliberate neglect of coastal dwellers after over seven decades of oil exploration activities, marked by the lopsided distribution of socio-economic development,” he added.
While praising the establishment of the ministry, Mulade expressed concerns about its longevity and permanence. He urged the Oborevwori administration to take further steps by sending an executive bill to the State House of Assembly to make the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure a statutory institution. According to him, this would ensure the ministry’s existence beyond the current administration and provide greater assurance to stakeholders that their welfare remains a priority.
Mulade also emphasized that the infrastructural challenges in Delta State’s riverine areas are vast and may require significant time and funding to address. He called on Governor Oborevwori to prioritize the ministry’s funding to ensure that its objectives are met, cautioning against the politicization of its purpose.
“The difficult terrain of the coastal areas demands heavy funding for viable projects, and the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure should be considered a development priority, devoid of politics, to achieve its intended purpose,” Mulade concluded.
