By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and renowned human and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, has welcomed Nigerians to the New Year 2026, urging governments at all levels to embrace prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance focused on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next elections cycle.
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in a New Year message he issued at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom Delta State, on New Year’s Day.
In his message the renowned peace ambassador reflected on the prevailing socio-economic realities confronting the nation and the responsibilities of leadership at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, Nigerians are currently grappling with severe economic hardship, a situation he noted demands urgent, people-oriented responses from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said, and added that “The Federal Government must, therefore, ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”
Turning attention to Delta State, the peace and development advocate commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major city centres of the state.
He noted that visible improvements in roads and urban infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.
However, Mulade urged the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that the benefits of development are evenly distributed across the Delta State in 2026, particularly by extending similar infrastructural projects to the riverine communities, predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.
“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy, through Blue marine economy, Oil and Gas,” he stated.
“Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”
He emphasized that inclusive development remains a critical factor in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.
Mulade also called on citizens, especially Deltans, to play their part in fostering peace and stability, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient without public cooperation.
“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secured Delta,” he said. “Peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state,” he added. “Let me specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to support and promote collaborative efforts for sustainable peace in the state that will foster peaceful coexistence among themselves for socio-economic stability and development in 2026,” he further said.
The Ijaw leader congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the dawn of the New Year 2026, expressing optimism that the year would usher in better living conditions and greater opportunities for the nation.
He expressed hope that the 2026 budget with N1.7 trillion, Delta State would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency and collective responsibility.
