Prominent Ijaw leader and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), has urgently appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to rethink and expand the distribution of projects under the state’s over ₦400 billion infrastructure plan.
Mulade, wants fairer inclusion for Ijaw communities, which contribute massively to the state’s economy.
In a weekend press statement reacting to the Delta State Executive Council’s approved projects, Chief Mulade noted that while many areas benefited, Ijaw riverine and rural zones seem largely overlooked. These communities generate about 90% of the funds through oil, gas, and the blue economy, yet they receive little in return. He acknowledged approvals like the reconstruction of Warri Internal Ring Road Phase 2, rehabilitation of Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri Road, new roads in Ekpan, Udu, Ughelli, Oghara, Abraka, Asaba, Sapele, Kwale, and Agbor, in addition to hostels at State Universities, Judges’ quarters, Police Divisional Headquarters for all 25 LGAs, and the Senate/Administrative Building at Delta State University, Abraka. Still, he alleged, that major Ijaw riverine areas lack matching infrastructure, aside from the joint Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road project by the state, NDDC, and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
“Ijaw areas contribute over 50% of the state and nation’s economy through oil, gas, and blue economy resources, yet critical infrastructure remains largely absent in our riverine zones.” He warned that missing roads, bridges, and amenities stifle growth, heighten hardships, and hinder integration. Better connectivity, he argued, would spark commerce, security, and economic potentials. Chief Mulade, urged priority for these key projects viz a directive to complete the Ayakoromo Bridge, linking riverine and upland communities. The Burutu–Ogulagha Road, connecting Burutu LGA headquarters to the Forcados Terminal hub. The Kurutie–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri Road, tying into the Yokri–Obotobo Road to boost mobility across Ijaw and Itsekiri areas and foster peace.Targeted inclusion for neglected Egbema Kingdom Ijaws in Warri North LGA.These he maintained would unlock investment, trade, tourism, and agriculture, he said.
He called on Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and representatives to lobby aggressively.
“Ijaw leaders must speak truth to power, demand development. Our resources should yield sustainable infrastructure. Without it, our growth stalls, electoral strength fades, and political gains weaken.
”Chief Mulade commended Governor Oborevwori’s statewide efforts but pressed for equity. He urged revisiting the ₦400 billion template to ensure development reaches all ethnic groups, especially Ijaw riverine areas.