Activist Urges Oborevwori To Bridge Delta’s Coastal Development Gap
As Delta State enters the fourth year of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, development advocate and environmental activist Comrade Sheriff Mulade has renewed calls for greater infrastructure investment in the state’s riverine communities, arguing that areas driving much of the state’s economic wealth deserve stronger government attention.
MULADE URGES OBOREVWORI TO PRIORITISE RIVERINE COMMUNITIES IN DELTA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
AS Delta State moves deeper into the implementation phase of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, concerns over balanced development and equitable distribution of infrastructure have once again come to the forefront.
Leading the conversation is renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who has called on the state government to make riverine development a central component of its long-term growth strategy.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, argues that the state’s coastal communities have contributed significantly to Delta’s economic prosperity while receiving comparatively limited infrastructural attention over the years.
Economic Backbone of the State
According to Mulade, the riverine areas occupied largely by Ijaw and Itsekiri communities remain critical to Delta State’s economic fortunes.
The region hosts major oil and gas installations, supports maritime activities and possesses substantial blue economy potential that could drive future economic growth and diversification.
He maintained that despite these contributions, many communities continue to face challenges associated with poor accessibility, inadequate transportation infrastructure and limited government presence.
“The communities that sustain the economic prosperity of Delta State should not remain isolated from the benefits of development,” Mulade stated while advocating for deliberate policy interventions.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure projects in urban centres across the state, Mulade argued that similar investments should be extended to coastal communities.
He identified several road projects that he believes could transform the economic landscape of the riverine region if implemented.
Among them is the Ayakoromo-Burutu-Forcados-Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, which would improve connectivity between coastal settlements and provide easier access to key economic assets such as the Forcados Oil Terminal.
He also highlighted the proposed Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos Road, describing it as a strategic corridor capable of attracting investment and stimulating industrial growth.
Unlocking the Blue Economy
A recurring theme in Mulade’s advocacy is the relationship between infrastructure and the blue economy.
He argued that government efforts to develop coastal resources and maritime opportunities would be difficult to achieve without first addressing transportation challenges.
According to him, road infrastructure remains one of the most effective tools for attracting investment, encouraging tourism, creating jobs and stimulating local commerce.
Other projects he identified include the Koko-Ogheye-Gbokodo-Opuama Road, the Camp-5-Seitorububou-Kurutie-Kunukunuma-Ibefan-Azama-Oporoza-Ogidigben-Yokri/Sokebolou-Obotobo Ring Road and the Ojobo-Ndoro-Aghoro Road connecting Delta and Bayelsa States.
A Call for Inclusive Development
Beyond economic considerations, Mulade stressed the importance of social inclusion and equitable development.
He argued that communities contributing substantially to state revenues should also enjoy visible dividends of governance through improved infrastructure and public services.
As Delta State marks 35 years of its creation, he urged the government to seize the opportunity to launch transformative projects that would permanently alter the developmental trajectory of the riverine region.
For Mulade, the debate is ultimately about fairness, inclusion and ensuring that every part of Delta State shares in the benefits of growth and development.
He maintained that sustainable progress can only be achieved when development policies reflect the interests and aspirations of all communities, including those located along the state’s coastal corridors.
