By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
Renowned human and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as massive infrastructural strides across major urban centres in the state.
Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, praised the governor’s ongoing projects, describing them as an “infrastructural revolution” in the upland parts of Delta State.
The peace ambassador and environmental rights activist noted that visible development in key city centres reflects the commitment of the present administration to reposition the state through strategic investments in infrastructure.
While applauding the governor’s efforts, Mulade urged chairmen of the 25 local government councils in the state to emulate the developmental drive of the Oborevwori administration.
According to him, development must not be concentrated only in major cities, stressing that many Deltans at the grassroots hardly feel the impact of government projects unless they travel to urban centres.
“It is imperative to state that most Deltans do not feel or experience the developmental efforts of government at the local level, except they travel to major city centres,” he said.
He challenged council chairmen to be bold and proactive by initiating legacy, economy-driven projects capable of stimulating growth within their respective localities.
“The council chairmen should be courageous enough to embark on significant, people-oriented projects rather than hiding under the governor’s achievements,” Mulade asserted.
He added that local governments have adequate resources to execute impactful projects that would complement the efforts of the state government and boost local economic growth.
Mulade also made a strong appeal to Governor Oborevwori to prioritise development in the riverine areas of the state.
He specifically called for accelerated action on the long-anticipated Ayakoromo Bridge project, which he said many Deltans believe should rank among the state’s ongoing major infrastructure projects.
In addition, he highlighted the proposed Burutu–Forcados–Ogulagha Road project, describing it as one of the most economically viable initiatives capable of enhancing connectivity and increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
I want to strongly appeal to the governor to consider and prioritise riverine development, especially the Ayakoromo Bridge and the Burutu–Forcados–Ogulagha Road,” he stated.
