WARRI/Nigeria: A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate and environmental rights activist, Mulade Sheriff, has welcomed Nigerians to the New Year 2026, urging governments at all levels to embrace prudence, accountability and purposeful governance anchored on the delivery of electoral promises rather than being consumed by the next election cycle.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in a New Year message issued on New Year’s Day at Okerenkoko, Delta State. He reflected on Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic challenges and the weighty responsibilities of leadership at what he described as a critical moment in the country’s democratic journey.
The renowned peace ambassador said Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, a situation that, according to him, requires urgent, people-oriented responses from the Federal Government. He specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to ease the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies that prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said, adding that the Federal Government must ensure policies are people-focused, address daily realities, and restore hope, stability and confidence in governance.
As National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, Mulade also turned his attention to Delta State, commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development drive across major urban centres. He noted that visible improvements in roads and city infrastructure underscore the administration’s commitment to development.
However, he urged the governor to ensure that development benefits are evenly distributed in 2026, particularly by extending similar projects to riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri people. According to him, these communities remain critical to the state’s economy through the blue marine economy and oil and gas activities.
“These riverine communities are the live wire of the state’s economy,” Mulade said, stressing that extending infrastructure to such areas would deepen citizens’ sense of belonging, strengthen participation in governance and promote collaboration in sustaining peace and development.
He emphasised that inclusive development is central to lasting peace in the Niger Delta, noting that communities that feel recognised and supported are more inclined to cooperate with government policies and initiatives.
Mulade also called on citizens, especially Deltans, to play their part in fostering peace and stability, insisting that government efforts alone are insufficient without public support. He urged ethnic groups across the state to embrace collaboration and peaceful coexistence as a foundation for socio-economic stability and development in 2026.
Congratulating Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the dawn of the New Year, Mulade expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in improved living conditions and broader opportunities.
He expressed hope that the state’s ₦1.7 trillion budget would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency and collective responsibility.
