From Francis Sadhere, Warri
As Delta State counts down to its 34th anniversary on August 27, 2025, Niger Delta environmentalist and peace advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to use the occasion to launch major developmental projects instead of spending scarce resources on what he described as “wasteful political funfair.”
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, congratulated the governor and Deltans on the milestone but stressed that the anniversary should be an opportunity to address the long-standing neglect of riverine communities, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas.
He warned that lavish celebrations would amount to misplacement of priorities in the face of glaring infrastructural deficits across the state’s oil-producing communities.
“The 34th anniversary of our dear state should not be reduced to jamborees and merrymaking with taxpayers’ money,” Mulade cautioned. “Rather, His Excellency should use the day to flag off meaningful projects like the Ayakoromo Bridge and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene road, which will drive economic growth and give the riverine people a true sense of belonging.”
The activist praised former Governor James Ibori for setting a precedent by constructing the Bomadi and Omadino bridges during the height of the Niger Delta crisis, urging Oborevwori to take a cue by embarking on similar landmark projects that would outlive his administration.
Mulade also advocated the transformation of the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu—upgraded to a polytechnic in 2023—into a specialised maritime university or a satellite campus of existing institutions to strengthen the state’s role in the emerging blue economy.
While commending the state government’s efforts in education and infrastructure in upland areas, he insisted that riverine communities deserve equal attention.
“Delta State has made progress in the past 34 years, and we salute our leaders and the resilience of our people,” Mulade said. “But this anniversary should mark a turning point where development reaches every corner of the state, especially the oil-producing communities that contribute the most to its survival.”
As Delta State counts down to its 34th anniversary on August 27, 2025, Niger Delta environmentalist and peace advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to use the occasion to launch major developmental projects instead of spending scarce resources on what he described as “wasteful political funfair.”
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, congratulated the governor and Deltans on the milestone but stressed that the anniversary should be an opportunity to address the long-standing neglect of riverine communities, particularly the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas.
He warned that lavish celebrations would amount to misplacement of priorities in the face of glaring infrastructural deficits across the state’s oil-producing communities.
“The 34th anniversary of our dear state should not be reduced to jamborees and merrymaking with taxpayers’ money,” Mulade cautioned. “Rather, His Excellency should use the day to flag off meaningful projects like the Ayakoromo Bridge and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene road, which will drive economic growth and give the riverine people a true sense of belonging.”
The activist praised former Governor James Ibori for setting a precedent by constructing the Bomadi and Omadino bridges during the height of the Niger Delta crisis, urging Oborevwori to take a cue by embarking on similar landmark projects that would outlive his administration.
Mulade also advocated the transformation of the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu—upgraded to a polytechnic in 2023—into a specialised maritime university or a satellite campus of existing institutions to strengthen the state’s role in the emerging blue economy.
While commending the state government’s efforts in education and infrastructure in upland areas, he insisted that riverine communities deserve equal attention.
“Delta State has made progress in the past 34 years, and we salute our leaders and the resilience of our people,” Mulade said. “But this anniversary should mark a turning point where development reaches every corner of the state, especially the oil-producing communities that contribute the most to its survival.”
