By Oghenefejiro Emado
26, August 2025
Comrade Mulade Sheriff, a renowned peace and environmental rights advocate, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritize the development of riverine communities in Delta State as the state celebrates its 34th anniversary.
Despite generating significant revenue from the petroleum sector and blue economy, these communities have been largely neglected and deprived of basic infrastructure.
Mulade is calling on the governor to focus on building crucial roads and bridges through press statement, he explained that the Ayakoromo bridge and Omadino road, which would connect communities like Okerenkoko, Pepe-ama, and Kokodiagbene should be looked into.
He also suggests converting the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu into a university or campus with a focus on maritime studies to harness the blue economy.
The activist advises against lavish celebrations for the anniversary, instead recommending that funds be used to kick-start meaningful projects that could spur industrialization and create jobs for youths. Some of the projects he proposes include
– *Infrastructure Development:*
– Construction of Ayakoromo bridge
– Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene road
– Rehabilitation of existing roads in riverine areas
– *Education and Economy:*
– Establishing a maritime-focused university or campus
– Supporting industrialization projects to create employment opportunities
– *Alternative to Lavish Celebrations:*
– Using anniversary funds to flag off economically viable projects
– Focusing on projects that benefit riverine communities, given their significant contribution to the state’s revenue
Mulade’s demands are not new, as the Delta State Government has previously pledged to reverse the fortunes of riverine communities.
In 2024, Governor Oborevwori inaugurated several projects in Ogulagha and Okerenkoko, including a model secondary school and faculty building at the Nigerian Maritime University. The government has also established the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development to address infrastructure deficits in these areas
