04, June 226
Delta State development advocate and environmental rights activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intentionally include riverine host communities in the state’s infrastructural development plans.
Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Serimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West LGA, said the riverine areas — largely inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups — remain deprived of meaningful development. He stressed that these communities lack major people-oriented projects that could unlock economic growth in the coastal region.
Speaking further, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri contribute over 70% of Delta’s revenue through oil, gas, and the blue economy. He said these sectors have made Delta the richest state in Nigeria, yet the host communities that produce the wealth are “totally neglected and abandoned.”
The peace ambassador appealed to Governor Oborevwori to commit to mega infrastructure projects in Ijaw and Itsekiri host communities as Delta prepares to mark its 35th anniversary. He said such projects would give residents a sense of belonging and reflect their status as the state’s “economic live-wire.”
Mulade listed several critical road projects he expects the Oborevwori administration to undertake as part of the anniversary celebrations:
1.Ayakoromo–Burutu–Forcados–Odimodi–Ogulagha Road*: Connects multiple coastal communities and links to the Forcados Terminal, a major oil storage hub. He said the road would boost economic growth and create jobs.
2..Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road*: Links to the Escravos Terminal. Mulade argued the road could position Delta as Nigeria’s economic hub due to the area’s vast potential.
3.Koko–Ogheye–Gbokodo–Opuama Road*: Would open up several coastal communities in Warri North LGA.
4.Camp-5–Seitorububou–Kurutie–Kunukunuma–Ibefan–Azama–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri/Sokebolou–Obotobo Ring Road*: Designed to interconnect key riverine settlements.
5.Ojobo–Ndoro–Aghoro Road*: Links Delta to Bayelsa State on the eastern flank.
Mulade insisted that road connectivity is the key to accelerating development in Delta’s riverine areas and achieving the state’s blue economy goals. He added that while Governor Oborevwori has earned praise for urban infrastructural development, the riverine host communities — the source of the state’s resource base — remain neglected.
