By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A prominent Ijaw leader and environmental rights advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD, has appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently review the allocation of projects under the state’s newly approved ₦400 billion infrastructure plan, warning that riverine Ijaw communities have been “largely left out” despite being the economic backbone of the state.
In a press statement released over the weekend, Chief Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, acknowledged the extensive list of projects approved by the State Executive Council.
These include major road reconstructions in Warri, Uvwie, and Ughelli, as well as educational facilities, judicial quarters, and police headquarters across the 25 local government areas.
However, he expressed deep concern that the development blueprint fails to commensurately address the infrastructural decay in Ijaw areas, which contribute the lion’s share of the state’s revenue through oil, gas, and the blue economy.
“It is imperative to state that Ijaw areas contribute over 50% of the economy of the state and the nation through oil and gas and blue economy resources, yet critical infrastructure remains largely absent in our riverine areas,” Chief Mulade said.
He noted that aside from the ongoing Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road project, a joint effort between the state, NDDC, and Chevron, the new wave of projects overlooks the specific needs of coastal communities.
He argued that the lack of roads and bridges is stifling economic growth, worsening hardship, and hindering the political integration of the region.
Chief Mulade urged the governor to prioritise key infrastructure that would unlock the potential of the riverine corridor. Among the projects he recommended for immediate approval are the completion of the Ayakoromo Bridge, which he described as a strategic link between riverine and upland areas, and the construction of a road linking Burutu town to Ogulagha community, the latter hosting the Forcados Terminal, a critical asset in the state’s economy.
He also called for the connection of Kurutie community, site of the Nigerian Maritime University, to Oporoza, Ogidigben, and the existing Yokri–Obotobo Road, fostering connectivity and peace between Ijaw and Itsekiri communities.
He raised a specific grievance regarding the “total marginalisation” of the Egbema kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area, pleading with the governor to “change the narrative” and give the area a sense of belonging through inclusive project distribution.
The environmental rights advocate called on Ijaw political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to intensify lobbying efforts. “Ijaw leaders must summon the courage to speak truth to power, lobby and demand for development. Our resource contribution should reflect critical and sustainable infrastructural development in our land,” he stated.
While commending Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s overall development drive, Chief Mulade expressed hope that the template for the N400 billion programme would be revisited to ensure fairness across all ethnic nationalities. “The lack of infrastructural development and social amenities is affecting our economic growth and weakens our collective prospects, which continuously deplete our electoral values and political advancements,” he concluded.
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