N’Delta Activist, Mulade Lauds Oborevwori On Creation Of Riverine Infrastructure Ministry

• Demands Legal Backing

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been commended by Chief Sheriff Mulade, a development and peace advocate, for creating the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure. Mulade, who initiated the creation of the Coastal Areas Development Agency (CADA), praised the Governor for addressing the infrastructural deficit in riverine areas, which are crucial to Nigeria’s economy due to their maritime, oil, and gas production activities.

Chief Mulade, who doubled as the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, and the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, gave the commendation at Abuja in a chat with newsmen over the recent development.

Mulade noted that despite their significant contributions, riverine areas lack basic amenities and have been neglected for decades. He commended the Governor for creating the Ministry, but appealed for its statutory status to ensure permanence beyond his administration.

Mulade emphasised the need for adequate funding to address the infrastructural deficit in riverine areas, considering the challenging terrain and high costs of implementing viable projects. He urged the Governor to prioritize the Ministry’s development and funding, separate from political considerations.

“The creation of the Ministry and appointment of Chief Ebikeme Clark demonstrates Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly for deprived riverine areas”, he added.

Mulade’s appealed for statutory status aims to guarantee the Ministry’s continued existence and effectiveness in addressing the needs of coastal and riverine communities.