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Peace and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, calls for urgent infrastructural focus on neglected riverine communities.
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Mulade urges Governor Oborevwori to emulate former Governor James Onanefe Ibori’s transformative riverine projects.
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Advisory includes upgrading marine polytechnic to a maritime-focused university and redirecting anniversary funds to economic projects.
As Delta State prepares to mark its 34th anniversary on August 27, 2025, Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD, a renowned peace and environmental rights advocate, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to address the infrastructural deficit in riverine communities.
He described them as “totally deprived and neglected” despite significant revenue contributions from petroleum and the blue economy.
In a congratulatory message to Governor Oborevwori and Deltans, Mulade commended the administration’s progress in education and human capital development, as well as the state’s relative peace and unity since its creation in 1991.
“Permit me to specially felicitate with Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, on this momentous occasion of Delta State at 34, and the giant strides of your governance. We celebrate our founding fathers and the grace of God that has kept us together as one indivisible state,” Mulade said.
However, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom lamented the neglect of riverine populations, particularly Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, urging the governor to follow in the footsteps of former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, who executed landmark infrastructure projects such as the Bomadi and Omadino bridges.
Mulade specifically called for the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge and Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene road, connecting key riverine communities in Burutu and Warri South-West LGAs, describing the projects as a way for Governor Oborevwori to “write and print his name in the hearts of Deltans.”
He also proposed the conversion of the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu politically upgraded to a moribund polytechnic in 2023 into a university or satellite campus focusing on maritime studies, to harness the blue economy and boost regional development.
In addition, Mulade advised against lavish state celebrations for the anniversary, urging the governor to prioritise meaningful projects that stimulate industrialisation and create employment for youths.
“The effort on human capital and infrastructural revolution is evident, but riverine communities must experience economically valuable projects reflecting their contributions,” he said.
In closing, Mulade commended Deltans for their resilience, commitment to democracy, and contributions to the state’s growth over the past 34 years.
