Peace and development advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Mulade Sheriff, has said that sustained peace and unity between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Delta State will create the right environment for investors and bring long-awaited development to their oil-rich communities.
Speaking in Warri during a meeting with leaders of both ethnic nationalities, Mulade, who is also the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, stressed that investors are often discouraged by conflict and instability, despite the area’s rich oil, gas and blue economy resources.
“We are depriving ourselves of opportunities because of ethnic rivalry. Investors will not come where there is conflict,” Mulade said. “What we need is peace, cooperation and progressive ties that will open our communities to growth and development.”
He noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri contribute some of the highest revenues to Delta State and Nigeria through oil and gas, yet their communities remain largely neglected in terms of infrastructure. He blamed this on long-standing divisions that prevent a united front for development.
Mulade urged traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders to shift focus from supremacy struggles to joint development strategies, warning that disunity has left the riverine areas lagging behind the uplands.
“If we allow peace and development to thrive, our communities will benefit from industries, jobs and modern infrastructure,” he said, appealing for collective action to reverse decades of underdevelopment.
Speaking in Warri during a meeting with leaders of both ethnic nationalities, Mulade, who is also the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, stressed that investors are often discouraged by conflict and instability, despite the area’s rich oil, gas and blue economy resources.
“We are depriving ourselves of opportunities because of ethnic rivalry. Investors will not come where there is conflict,” Mulade said. “What we need is peace, cooperation and progressive ties that will open our communities to growth and development.”
He noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri contribute some of the highest revenues to Delta State and Nigeria through oil and gas, yet their communities remain largely neglected in terms of infrastructure. He blamed this on long-standing divisions that prevent a united front for development.
Mulade urged traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders to shift focus from supremacy struggles to joint development strategies, warning that disunity has left the riverine areas lagging behind the uplands.
“If we allow peace and development to thrive, our communities will benefit from industries, jobs and modern infrastructure,” he said, appealing for collective action to reverse decades of underdevelopment.
