Mulade Sheriff, a prominent peace and environmental rights advocate, has issued a compelling call to action to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, urging him to prioritize the development of critical infrastructure in the state’s marginalized riverine communities. This appeal coincides with Delta State’s 34th anniversary celebrations, an occasion Mulade acknowledges while simultaneously lamenting the historical neglect of these vital regions. He argues that the substantial financial resources allocated to the anniversary festivities could be better utilized to address the pressing infrastructural needs of these communities, which have long contributed significantly to the state’s economic prosperity through oil, gas, and the burgeoning blue economy.
Mulade’s critique centers on the stark disparity between the riverine communities’ contributions to the state’s wealth and the inadequate infrastructure they receive in return. He specifically highlights the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, the predominant populations in these areas, who have consistently borne the brunt of this developmental imbalance. Recalling the legacy of former Governor James Ibori, who spearheaded the construction of crucial bridges like the Bomadi and Omadino bridges during the turbulent period of the Niger Delta crisis, Mulade implores Governor Oborevwori to emulate this proactive approach and prioritize infrastructural projects that directly benefit these underserved communities.
Central to Mulade’s proposal is the initiation of key projects that would significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility within the riverine areas. He specifically identifies the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene Road as vital undertakings that would effectively link several communities in Burutu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. These projects, he argues, are not mere celebratory gestures, but essential investments in the future prosperity and stability of the region.
Furthermore, Mulade underscores the importance of investing in education as a catalyst for economic development and empowerment. He advocates for the upgrading of the Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu, recently converted to a polytechnic, into a full-fledged university campus specializing in maritime studies. This strategic move, he believes, would be instrumental in harnessing the potential of the blue economy, creating much-needed employment opportunities for the youth, and fostering a skilled workforce that can contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
Mulade’s argument rests on the premise that sustainable development should be prioritized over lavish celebrations. He criticizes the allocation of significant funds towards anniversary celebrations as a wasteful expenditure of taxpayer money, advocating instead for a shift in focus towards transformative projects that have a lasting impact on the lives of citizens. He envisions Delta State’s 34th anniversary not as a mere political fanfare, but as a pivotal moment for initiating meaningful development initiatives, particularly in the neglected riverine regions.
In essence, Mulade’s message to Governor Oborevwori is a call for responsible governance and equitable development. He acknowledges the progress made since the state’s creation in 1991, particularly in achieving relative peace, but stresses the need for a more inclusive approach to development that prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities. He urges the Governor to seize this opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of positive change by championing meaningful, industry-driven development in the riverine regions, ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared equitably across all segments of Delta State’s population. This, he believes, is the path to true and sustainable development.
