Delta State-born development advocate and environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to deliberately prioritise riverine host communities in the state’s infrastructure and development agenda, insisting that the oil-producing coastal areas deserve greater attention considering their enormous contribution to Delta’s economy.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives in Warri Federal Constituency, made the appeal while reflecting on the state’s development trajectory ahead of Delta State’s 35th anniversary celebration.
According to him, many riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities remain underserved despite contributing significantly to the state’s revenue through oil and gas production and the emerging blue economy sector.
“Delta’s riverine communities are the economic backbone of the state. The Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contribute a substantial share of the revenue that has positioned Delta among Nigeria’s leading states, yet these communities continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure and limited government presence,” Mulade said.
He noted that while Governor Oborevwori’s administration has earned commendation for ongoing urban renewal and infrastructure projects across major cities and towns, the same level of attention should be extended to coastal communities that generate much of the state’s wealth.
“We appreciate the governor’s efforts in transforming urban centres across the state. However, justice and fairness demand that the communities that produce the resources sustaining the state’s economy should also enjoy meaningful development and modern infrastructure,” he stated.
Mulade urged the state government to use the occasion of Delta State’s 35th anniversary to embark on landmark projects capable of opening up the riverine axis for economic growth, investment and job creation.
Among the projects he recommended are the Ayakoromo-Burutu-Forcados-Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, which would connect several coastal communities and provide access to the strategic Forcados Terminal; the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road linking communities to the Escravos Terminal; and the Koko-Ogheye-Gbokodo-Opuama Road in Warri North Local Government Area.
Others include the Camp 5-Seitorububou-Kurutie-Kunukunuma-Ibefan-Azama-Oporoza-Ogidigben-Yokri/Sokebolou-Obotobo Ring Road, as well as the Ojobo-Ndoro-Aghoro Road, which would strengthen connectivity between Delta and neighbouring Bayelsa State.
Mulade argued that improved road connectivity remains one of the most effective tools for unlocking the economic potential of riverine communities and advancing the state’s blue economy aspirations.
“Road infrastructure is the catalyst for rapid development. If these strategic coastal roads are constructed, they will stimulate commerce, attract investments, create jobs and position Delta as a major hub of the blue economy in Nigeria,” he said.
He further appealed to Governor Oborevwori to ensure that riverine host communities are deliberately included in future development plans, stressing that such investments would promote inclusiveness and give residents a stronger sense of belonging.
“As Delta marks 35 years of creation, this is the right time to make bold investments in the riverine areas. The people deserve to feel the impact of government, and history will remember any administration that succeeds in opening up these long-neglected communities,” Mulade added.
