As Delta State marks its 34th anniversary, renowned peace and environmental rights advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Mulade Sheriff, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritize the infrastructural development of riverine communities, which he described as “grossly deprived and neglected despite their immense contributions to the state’s economy through oil, gas, and the blue economy.”
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call while congratulating Governor Oborevwori and Deltans on the occasion of the state’s anniversary, celebrated every August 27 since Delta’s creation in 1991.
In his goodwill message, he commended the governor for his developmental strides so far and lauded Deltans for their resilience, unity, and progress.
“Permit me to specially felicitate with Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, on this historic occasion of our state at 34, and on the giant strides of your administration. We celebrate not only our anniversary but also the peace, unity, and progress witnessed over the years. We must acknowledge the vision of our founding fathers and the grace of God that has kept us together as one indivisible state despite our cultural, linguistic, and environmental diversity,” Mulade stated.
However, he lamented the persistent marginalization of riverine areas and called on the governor to emulate former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, who during his tenure built strategic bridges that connected difficult terrains, such as the Bomadi and Omadino bridges, thereby giving the Ijaw and Itsekiri people a sense of belonging.
“Governor Oborevwori must take deliberate steps to rewrite history by constructing the long-awaited Ayakoromo Bridge, as well as the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene Road to serve communities like Pepe-ama, Ekpemu, Akpata, Ogidadinor, and Edeuba in Burutu and Warri South-West LGAs,” he said.
Mulade also called for reforms in the education sector, especially in riverine areas. He urged the governor to upgrade the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu; politically converted into a polytechnic in 2023 but left largely moribund; into a specialized maritime university or an affiliate campus of one of the state’s existing universities.
“The state should leverage the blue economy through maritime-focused education, because state polytechnics no longer serve as a strong standard in today’s competitive academic environment,” he added.
On the state anniversary celebration, Mulade warned against channeling public resources into lavish jamborees.
“I strongly advise Governor Oborevwori to shun extravagant celebrations with taxpayers’ money. Instead, let Delta @ 34 be remembered for the flag-off of viable infrastructural projects such as the Ayakoromo Bridge and Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene Road, in addition to the already approved flyovers in Agbor and Ughelli. This will create jobs, industrialize our state, and leave lasting legacies.”
While commending the governor’s ongoing human capital and infrastructural efforts in other parts of the state, he insisted that riverine areas deserve equitable development that reflects their contribution to the state’s revenue base.
Finally, Mulade saluted the courage and resilience of Deltans:
“Let me use this medium to appreciate past and present leaders of our dear state for their commitment to statehood and democratic growth. To all Deltans, your resilience, unity, and determination to build a greater Delta remain the foundation upon which the vision of our founding fathers continues to stand strong.”
