…calls for Riverine Infrastructural Revolution in the 2026 Budget
A renowned peace and development advocate from Delta State, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has applauded the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his ongoing infrastructural transformation across the state.
Mulade noted that Governor Oborevwori’s developmental strides have earned him widespread admiration from Deltans, irrespective of political affiliations.
According to him, “I specifically commend the governor for engaging the construction giant, Julius Berger Plc, to handle the three flyovers in Uvwie Local Government Area around the Warri axis, as well as the proposed flyovers in Ughelli and Agbor, aimed at easing traffic congestion in those areas.”
He further praised the governor for embarking on major stormwater drainage systems and extensive road construction projects across the state, describing them as impressive demonstrations of a determined and people-focused leader.
However, Dr. Mulade appealed to Governor Oborevwori to extend similar attention to the riverine communities, predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw and Itsekiri people, to ensure they also benefit from the ongoing infrastructural revolution.
“It is important to remind His Excellency that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contribute over 60 percent of the state’s economy through oil, gas, and the blue economy.
“Despite these huge contributions, there are still no significant infrastructural projects in those areas to justify their economic importance,” he lamented.
He therefore urged the state government to prioritize key riverine projects in the 2026 Delta State Budget, including the Ayakoromo Bridge, Torugbene–Ojobo Road Project, and the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Kokodiagbene–Escravos Road.
“These projects are crucial to the socio-economic development of the riverine region. Our people deserve meaningful development beyond token gestures or vote-seeking efforts ahead of the 2027 elections,” he emphasized.
Mulade added that riverine communities are weary of “1 or 2-kilometer concrete walkways” being described as roads.
Instead, he called for genuine coastal connectivity between riverine and upland areas to unlock economic viability and sustainable growth.
He concluded by urging Governor Oborevwori to deploy reputable contractors like Julius Berger for riverine infrastructure projects to ensure durability and lasting impact.
“Your Excellency has done excellently in road construction and stormwater drainage projects.
“Extending the same quality development to the riverine economy will etch your name in gold, just like former Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who constructed the Bomadi and Omadino bridges that connected the hinterlands to the upland,” Mulade stated.
