By Francis Sadhere, Warri
An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systematic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting and development of educational institutions across the state.
Mulade described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” noting that despite the enormous contribution of Ijaw land to the economic survival of Delta State through oil production, the ethnic nationality continues to be excluded from key areas of development.
According to him, the persistent concentration of state-owned tertiary institutions outside Ijaw territories amounts to structural discrimination and poses a serious threat to unity and sustainable development in the state.
“It is painful and unacceptable that a people whose land produces a greater portion of the wealth sustaining this state are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to development, especially higher education. This is not only unfair; it is dangerous for the unity and future of Delta State,” he said.
The Ijaw-born activist listed several state-owned institutions, including Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro and Orerokpe; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; as well as colleges of education, nursing and polytechnics spread across Asaba, Warri, Sapele, Ogwashi-Uku and Oghara.
He pointed out that out of all these institutions, only the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, is located in Ijaw land, lamenting that even the institution suffers from poor infrastructure and limited capacity.
“One institution for an entire ethnic nationality that contributes massively to Delta State’s oil wealth is not just marginalisation; it is a deliberate policy of neglect. It is appalling, insulting and indefensible,” Mulade declared.
He further lamented that Ijaw communities continue to bear the environmental consequences of oil exploration, including polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health hazards, while being denied the benefits of development, particularly in education.
“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because development has not been brought to their doorsteps. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be corrected urgently,” he warned.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics and sentiment by taking deliberate steps to address the imbalance.
He urged the state government to prioritise the siting of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, upgrade existing facilities such as the School of Marine Technology in Burutu, and appoint qualified Ijaw sons and daughters as vice-chancellors and other principal officers within the state’s educational system.
“Governor Oborevwori must show that he is a governor for all Deltans, not for a select few. Educational development is not a favour; it is our right,” he stated.
Mulade warned that continued neglect of Ijaw areas could deepen feelings of alienation and undermine the sense of belonging among the people.
He concluded by calling on civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and other stakeholders to speak out against what he described as structural injustice and demand equitable distribution of development across Delta State.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. A state cannot develop sustainably when a significant part of its population is consistently excluded,” he said.
An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systematic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the siting and development of educational institutions across the state.
Mulade described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” noting that despite the enormous contribution of Ijaw land to the economic survival of Delta State through oil production, the ethnic nationality continues to be excluded from key areas of development.
According to him, the persistent concentration of state-owned tertiary institutions outside Ijaw territories amounts to structural discrimination and poses a serious threat to unity and sustainable development in the state.
“It is painful and unacceptable that a people whose land produces a greater portion of the wealth sustaining this state are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to development, especially higher education. This is not only unfair; it is dangerous for the unity and future of Delta State,” he said.
The Ijaw-born activist listed several state-owned institutions, including Delta State University, Abraka; Southern Delta University of Science and Technology, Ozoro and Orerokpe; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; University of Delta, Agbor; as well as colleges of education, nursing and polytechnics spread across Asaba, Warri, Sapele, Ogwashi-Uku and Oghara.
He pointed out that out of all these institutions, only the Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, is located in Ijaw land, lamenting that even the institution suffers from poor infrastructure and limited capacity.
“One institution for an entire ethnic nationality that contributes massively to Delta State’s oil wealth is not just marginalisation; it is a deliberate policy of neglect. It is appalling, insulting and indefensible,” Mulade declared.
He further lamented that Ijaw communities continue to bear the environmental consequences of oil exploration, including polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands and health hazards, while being denied the benefits of development, particularly in education.
“Our youths are denied opportunities not because they lack potential, but because development has not been brought to their doorsteps. This imbalance is breeding frustration and must be corrected urgently,” he warned.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to rise above politics and sentiment by taking deliberate steps to address the imbalance.
He urged the state government to prioritise the siting of new educational institutions in Ijaw areas, upgrade existing facilities such as the School of Marine Technology in Burutu, and appoint qualified Ijaw sons and daughters as vice-chancellors and other principal officers within the state’s educational system.
“Governor Oborevwori must show that he is a governor for all Deltans, not for a select few. Educational development is not a favour; it is our right,” he stated.
Mulade warned that continued neglect of Ijaw areas could deepen feelings of alienation and undermine the sense of belonging among the people.
He concluded by calling on civil society organisations, traditional rulers, youth groups and other stakeholders to speak out against what he described as structural injustice and demand equitable distribution of development across Delta State.
“This is not just an Ijaw issue; it is a justice issue. A state cannot develop sustainably when a significant part of its population is consistently excluded,” he said.
