Renowned peace and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on the major ethnic nationalities in Delta State to embrace unity and support efforts aimed at sustainable development across the state.
Speaking recently, the United Nations Peace Ambassador and environmental rights activist urged the Urhobos, Itsekiris, and Ijaws, whom he described as the linchpin of the state’s economy, to prioritise peace and collaboration for the benefit of all Deltans.
“We cannot continue to fight ourselves, oppose development, and chase away investors who have the potential to create employment opportunities for our teeming youths because of selfish interests,” he stated.
Comrade Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), appealed to traditional rulers and political leaders to rise above sentiments and work towards peace and progress.
“I want to strongly appeal to our revered traditional rulers and political leaders to shun hatred and embrace peace, unity, and development for the interest and progress of our dear state,” he said.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts by both the Federal and State Governments to attract investors to Delta State, saying:
“It is pertinent to state that the current Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and the State Government under Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, are doing everything humanly possible to attract investors through ongoing state projects and increased federal presence.”
Mulade stressed that the three dominant ethnic groups must play strategic roles in supporting government efforts and ensuring Deltans reap the full benefits of democracy.
“Delta State is blessed with an abundance of human capital and natural endowments. Rather than fighting ourselves, let us harness our collective potential and influence to support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Tinubu so Deltans can fully enjoy the dividends of democracy, as the economic lifeline of Nigeria,” he added.
