WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State-born environmental rights activist and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to deliberately prioritise infrastructural development in the state’s riverine communities, describing the coastal areas as critical economic assets that have remained largely neglected despite their immense contributions to Delta State’s revenue.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, said it was time for government attention to be directed towards opening up the riverine areas through strategic road and infrastructure projects capable of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life of residents.
According to him, the predominantly Ijaw- and Itsekiri-speaking riverine communities have for decades suffered inadequate development despite being major contributors to the state’s economy through oil and gas production as well as the emerging blue economy sector.
He noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities account for a significant percentage of the state’s revenue generation, yet many of their communities remain inaccessible and lack the critical infrastructure required to stimulate sustainable development.
Mulade appealed to Governor Oborevwori to use the forthcoming 35th anniversary of Delta State as an opportunity to initiate transformative projects in the coastal areas, stressing that such interventions would not only give residents a greater sense of belonging but also unlock enormous economic opportunities for the state.
The renowned peace ambassador identified the proposed Ayakoromo-Burutu-Forcados-Odimodi-Ogulagha Road as one of the strategic projects capable of linking several coastal communities and providing direct access to the Forcados Oil Terminal, thereby enhancing commerce, transportation and employment opportunities.
He also advocated the construction of the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road, which he said would connect communities to the Escravos Terminal and position Delta State as a major economic hub due to the vast industrial and maritime potentials within the corridor.
Other projects he recommended include the Koko-Ogheye-Gbokodo-Opuama Road in Warri North Local Government Area and the proposed Camp 5-Seitorububou-Kurutie-Kunukunuma-Ibefan-Azama-Oporoza-Ogidigben-Yokri/Sokebolou-Obotobo Ring Road, which he said would significantly improve connectivity across the coastal belt.
Mulade further urged the state government to prioritise the Ojobo-Ndoro-Aghoro Road project, noting that it would strengthen transportation links between Delta and neighbouring Bayelsa State while opening up economic opportunities along the eastern axis of the Niger Delta.
He maintained that road connectivity remains one of the most effective catalysts for accelerated development in riverine communities, adding that improved infrastructure would provide the foundation for the successful implementation of the state’s blue economy agenda.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for ongoing urban infrastructure development across the state, Mulade argued that greater attention should now be given to the riverine host communities that serve as the backbone of Delta’s resource-based economy.
“The riverine communities are the source of the resources that sustain the state’s economy. As Delta State marks 35 years of existence, it is important that these communities are deliberately integrated into the broader development agenda through impactful infrastructure projects,” he stated.
