Renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has applauded the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the ongoing infrastructural revolution across the state.
Mulade noted that Governor Oborevwori’s developmental strides have endeared him to Deltans across political divides, citing his commitment to urban renewal and road expansion projects.
“I specifically commend the governor for engaging construction giant Julius Berger Plc to handle the three flyovers in Uvwie Local Government Area around the Warri axis, as well as the proposed Ughelli and Agbor flyovers aimed at easing traffic congestion,” he stated.
He further lauded the governor for initiating stormwater drainage systems and several road construction projects, describing them as evidence of a determined and people-focused administration.
However, Mulade appealed to the governor to extend similar development attention to the riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
“It is important to remind His Excellency that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contribute over 60 percent of the state’s economy through oil, gas, and the blue economy, which make Delta one of the richest states in Nigeria. Yet, there are no significant projects in these areas commensurate with their contribution to the state’s revenue,” he lamented.
Mulade urged the Oborevwori administration to ensure that the 2026 Delta State budget gives critical consideration to major riverine infrastructure projects such as the Ayakoromo Bridge, Torugbene-Ojobo Road, and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road, emphasising that these communities deserve meaningful development beyond election seasons.
“Our people are tired of 1 or 2-kilometre concrete walkways being called roads. What we need is connectivity — linking our coastal and upland communities to boost economic viability and growth,” he stressed.
The environmentalist concluded by urging Governor Oborevwori to replicate his urban success story in the riverine areas by engaging reputable contractors like Julius Berger for durability and long-term value.
“By doing so, His Excellency will not only sustain his legacy of inclusive development but also etch his name in gold—just like former Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who delivered landmark bridges such as Bomadi and Omadino, linking riverine communities to the upland,” Mulade added.
