A renowned peace and development advocate in the Niger Delta, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has called on the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities of Delta State to strengthen bonds of unity and friendship as a pathway to attracting investors and accelerating development in their communities.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, made the appeal during an interactive session with leaders of both ethnic groups in Warri.
The United Nations peace ambassador urged the leaders to embrace peace and let love guide their collective pursuit of sustainable development, warning that ethnic bias and supremacy struggles have only hindered progress.
“Frankly, we are disgracing ourselves. It is highly disappointing that some individuals are beating the drum of ethnic war for personal interest and recognition,” Mulade lamented.
“What we need are progressive ties that will attract investors and bring meaningful development to our communities.”
He stressed that despite contributing significantly to state and national revenues through oil, gas, and the blue economy, Ijaw and Itsekiri communities remain underdeveloped due to persistent acrimony.
“It is imperative to state that these areas contribute the highest quota to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, yet we are deliberately deprived, neglected, and shortchanged in development because of division and hatred among ourselves,” he said.
Mulade appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders from both ethnic groups to prioritize peace and development over rivalry.
“We are victims of underdevelopment because of individual and ethnic pride.
“Today, development efforts are concentrated in the upland while the sources of the resources remain neglected,” he concluded.
