Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Delta State-born development advocate and environmental rights activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to deliberately include riverine host communities in the state’s infrastructure plans, warning that longstanding neglect of those areas risks undermining the region’s economic potential.
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of the oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West LGA and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency, said the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities that dominate the state’s riverine zones are largely excluded from major people‑oriented projects despite contributing the bulk of the state’s revenue through oil, gas and blue‑economy activities.
“The Ijaw and Itsekiri constitute over 70 percent of the state’s revenue,” Mulade said.
“They lay the golden egg, yet many of their communities remain neglected and abandoned.”
As Delta State prepares to mark its 35th anniversary, Mulade appealed for key road and connectivity projects to be prioritised in riverine areas to spur economic growth and create jobs. He listed a set of strategic road projects he believes should be fast‑tracked including
Ayakoromo‑Burutu‑Forcados‑Odimodi‑Ogulagha road, linking coastal communities to the Forcados oil terminal.
Omadino‑Okerenkoko‑Kokodiagbene‑Escravos road, connecting to the Escravos terminal.
Others are Koko‑Ogheye‑Gbokodo‑Opuama corridor to open up Warri North localities. Camp‑5‑Seitorububou‑Kurutie‑Kunukunuma‑Ibefan‑Azama‑Oporoza‑Ogidigben‑Yokri/Sokebolou‑Obotobo ring road. Also, Ojobo‑Ndoro‑Aghoro road, improving linkage between Delta and Bayelsa state.
Mulade argued that improved road connectivity is the “panacea” for rapid development in riverine communities and a prerequisite for realising the state blue‑economy potential.
While he commended Governor Oborevwori for urban infrastructure gains, Mulade said the benefits must be extended to the coastal communities that supply the state’s wealth.
“Recognition through people‑oriented mega projects will give a sense of belonging to the economic lifeblood of the state,” he said.
No immediate response was available from the governor’s office. Mulade said he will continue to press for inclusion of riverine communities in the administration’s development agenda ahead of the anniversary celebrations.