A prominent Ijaw leader and community development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), has called on the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider and expand the distribution of projects under the ₦400 billion infrastructure plan to ensure fair inclusion of Ijaw riverine communities.
While the state government approved road constructions, market infrastructure, housing, educational and institutional projects across upland areas, Chief Mulade expressed concern that Ijaw communities remain largely excluded, despite contributing over 50% of the state and national economy through oil, gas, and blue economy resources.
According to him: “It is imperative to state that Ijaw areas contributes 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.”
He called for the approval of strategic riverine projects, including:
- Ayakoromo Bridge, to connect riverine and upland areas.
- Burutu–Ogulagha Road, linking key commercial zones like Forcados Terminal.
- Kurutie–Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri Road, connecting Ijaw and Itsekiri communities and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Chief Mulade also called on Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to advocate for equitable development.
“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.”
Despite highlighting marginalisation in riverine areas, he also commended Governor Oborevwori for ongoing development and expressed hope that the administration would demonstrate fairness by extending impactful projects to Ijaw communities.
He further urged the governor to revisit the project distribution template under the ₦400 billion infrastructure programme to ensure inclusive growth across all Delta State regions.
