DELTA @35: Mulade Urges Oborevwori to Launch Mega Infrastructure Projects in Riverine Communities
Development advocate and environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has called on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to deliberately include riverine host communities in the state’s infrastructural development agenda.
In a news publication sent to Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters, Mulade expressed concern over what he described as the continued neglect of riverine communities predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, despite their immense contribution to the state’s economy through oil, gas, and blue economy resources.
The Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Warri Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat, stated that the riverine areas have remained largely deprived of meaningful development and major people-oriented infrastructure projects capable of stimulating economic growth and improving living standards.
According to him, the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities contribute significantly to Delta State’s revenue generation, making the state one of the wealthiest in Nigeria, yet they continue to experience inadequate government presence in terms of critical infrastructure.
Mulade appealed to Governor Oborevwori to prioritize the execution of transformative projects in the coastal communities as Delta State prepares to mark its 35th anniversary, stressing that such initiatives would provide a sense of belonging to the people of the region and unlock the vast economic potential of the riverine areas.
He identified several strategic road projects that should form part of the state’s anniversary development package, including the Ayakoromo–Burutu–Forcados–Odimodi–Ogulagha Road, which would connect several coastal communities and provide access to the Forcados Oil Terminal, thereby boosting commerce and creating employment opportunities.
He also highlighted the proposed Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road, which would link communities to the Escravos Terminal and strengthen Delta State’s position as a major economic hub.
Other projects he listed include the Koko–Ogheye–Gbokodo–Opuama Road in Warri North Local Government Area; the Camp-5–Seitorububou–Kurutie–Kunukunuma–Ibefan–Azama–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri/Sokebolou–Obotobo Ring Road; and the Ojobo–Ndoro–Aghoro Road, which would provide a strategic link between Delta and Bayelsa states.
Mulade maintained that road connectivity remains a critical catalyst for rapid development in riverine communities and is essential to the realization of the state’s blue economy aspirations.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for ongoing urban infrastructure development across the state, the peace ambassador and development advocate noted that communities that serve as the resource base of the state’s economy should not be left behind.
He urged the state government to adopt a more inclusive development approach that reflects the contributions of riverine host communities and ensures balanced growth across all parts of Delta State.
