Delta-born Peace and Environmental Justice advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has urged the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to embark on people-oriented projects that will benefit Deltans instead of constructing an international conference centre in Asaba, the state capital.
Comrade Mulade gave the charge on Thursday, May 20, 2022, shortly after the announcement by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu that the state government has approved the construction of an International Conference Centre in Asaba at the cost of N5.1 billion.
Recall that Aniagwu while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Okowa, announced that the EXCO has approved the construction of an International Conference Centre as part development of Asaba into a mega city.
According to the Information Commissioner, the state government intends to complete the project within 12 months and has also approved 35 percent mobilisation fees to the contractor to ensure prompt delivery of the project.
Mulade who is also the Ibe-soromowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, said such funds should be used for the construction of link roads, bridges, health centres and many other socio-economic projects for the development of rural areas of the state.
He opined an International Conference Centre is an elephant project which will have no positive impact on the economy of the state, especially because Asaba already has similar projects such as the Event Centre and File House that have contributed nothing to the state’s IGR.
While condemning the project approved by the state EXCO, Chief Mulade strongly appealed to the state governor to channel the funds to more productive and impactful projects that will open up and connect the hinterland, fight against insecurity, rather than constructing an international conference centre which is merely for political gains.
He urged the governor to revamp the state’s economy especially by developing Warri, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State.
“I want to strongly appeal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to used the remaining days of his administration to industrialise the state to create employment, deal with insecurity and other social vices in the state,” Mulade advised.
