News
New Year 2026: Chief Mulade Urges Prudent Governance, Inclusive Development, Economic Relief for Nigerians
By Francis Sadhere, Warri
A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governments at all levels to prioritize prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance in 2026, urging leaders to focus on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next election cycle.
Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in his New Year message issued on Wednesday at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic challenges, the renowned peace ambassador described the current period as a critical moment in the country’s democratic journey, stressing that leadership must respond decisively to the hardship faced by citizens.
According to him, Nigerians are grappling with severe economic difficulties, a situation that requires urgent, people-oriented interventions from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the economic burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said. “The Federal Government must therefore ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”
Turning attention to Delta State, Chief Mulade commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major urban centres of the state.
He noted that visible improvements in roads and city infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.
However, he urged the governor to ensure that development efforts in 2026 are evenly distributed across the state, particularly by extending similar infrastructure projects to riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri people.
“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy through the blue marine economy, oil and gas,” he said. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”
The peace and development advocate emphasized that inclusive development remains central to sustaining peace in the Niger Delta, noting that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.
Chief Mulade also called on citizens, particularly Deltans, to complement government efforts by promoting peace and stability across the state.
“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secure Delta,” he said, adding that peace is essential for attracting investors, creating jobs, and driving sustainable development.
He specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to embrace collaboration and peaceful coexistence in 2026, stressing that unity is key to achieving socio-economic stability and growth.
Congratulating Nigerians, especially the people of Delta State, on the New Year, Chief Mulade expressed optimism that 2026 would bring improved living conditions and greater opportunities.
He also expressed hope that the Delta State 2026 budget of ₦1.7 trillion would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency, and collective responsibility.
A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governments at all levels to prioritize prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance in 2026, urging leaders to focus on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next election cycle.
Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in his New Year message issued on Wednesday at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic challenges, the renowned peace ambassador described the current period as a critical moment in the country’s democratic journey, stressing that leadership must respond decisively to the hardship faced by citizens.
According to him, Nigerians are grappling with severe economic difficulties, a situation that requires urgent, people-oriented interventions from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the economic burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said. “The Federal Government must therefore ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”
Turning attention to Delta State, Chief Mulade commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major urban centres of the state.
He noted that visible improvements in roads and city infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.
However, he urged the governor to ensure that development efforts in 2026 are evenly distributed across the state, particularly by extending similar infrastructure projects to riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri people.
“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy through the blue marine economy, oil and gas,” he said. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”
The peace and development advocate emphasized that inclusive development remains central to sustaining peace in the Niger Delta, noting that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.
Chief Mulade also called on citizens, particularly Deltans, to complement government efforts by promoting peace and stability across the state.
“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secure Delta,” he said, adding that peace is essential for attracting investors, creating jobs, and driving sustainable development.
He specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to embrace collaboration and peaceful coexistence in 2026, stressing that unity is key to achieving socio-economic stability and growth.
Congratulating Nigerians, especially the people of Delta State, on the New Year, Chief Mulade expressed optimism that 2026 would bring improved living conditions and greater opportunities.
He also expressed hope that the Delta State 2026 budget of ₦1.7 trillion would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency, and collective responsibility.
