Mulade Urges Oborevwori to Prioritize Riverine Communities in Delta’s Infrastructure Development

By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Delta State-born development advocate and environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has appealed to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to deliberately prioritize riverine host communities in the state’s infrastructure development agenda.

Mulade lamented what he described as the longstanding neglect of the predominantly Ijaw and Itsekiri riverine areas despite their enormous contribution to the state’s economy through oil, gas, and blue economy resources.

Speaking on the need for inclusive development across the state, the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, said the riverine communities deserve greater attention in government development plans.

According to him, the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities contribute significantly to Delta State’s revenue generation, making the state one of the most economically viable in Nigeria. However, he noted that the communities that host these critical resources continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and inadequate development.

Mulade called on Governor Oborevwori to use the forthcoming celebration of Delta State’s 35th anniversary as an opportunity to initiate and execute transformative projects that would open up the coastal communities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the living standards of residents.

Among the strategic road projects he highlighted were the Ayakoromo–Burutu–Forcados–Odimodi–Ogulagha Road, which would connect several coastal communities and provide access to the Forcados Terminal, thereby boosting economic activities and creating employment opportunities.

He also identified the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road, linking communities to the Escravos Terminal and positioning Delta State as a major economic hub due to the vast opportunities within the coastal corridor.

Other proposed projects include the Koko–Ogheye–Gbokodo–Opuama Road, aimed at connecting riverine communities in Warri North Local Government Area and enhancing socio-economic development; the Camp-5–Seitorububou–Kurutie–Kunukunuma–Ibefan–Azama–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri/Sokebolou–Obotobo Ring Road, which would improve connectivity among several coastal settlements; and the Ojobo–Ndoro–Aghoro Road, designed to strengthen inter-state connectivity between Delta and Bayelsa States.

The renowned peace ambassador maintained that road connectivity remains a critical catalyst for rapid development in Delta’s riverine communities and is essential for realizing the state’s blue economy aspirations.

While commending Governor Oborevwori for ongoing urban infrastructure projects across major cities in the state, Mulade stressed that communities that serve as the backbone of Delta’s resource economy should not be left behind.

He urged the state government to ensure balanced development by extending major people-oriented projects to the riverine areas, thereby giving residents a greater sense of belonging and participation in the state’s growth and prosperity.