AljaziralPress

A prominent Ijaw leader and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff (PhD), has appealed to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently reconsider and expand the distribution of projects recently approved under the state government’s over ₦400 billion infrastructure development plan, to ensure fair inclusion of Ijaw communities in the state.

Chief Mulade made the appeal in a press statement over the weekend, while reacting to the list of projects recently approved by the Delta State Executive Council across several local government areas.

According to him, while the approved projects cover many parts of the state, the Ijaw riverine/rural areas appear largely left out, despite their enormous contributions to the economic strength of Delta State and Nigeria through blue economy, oil and gas resources.

“The renowned Delta state-born human rights and development advocate, Comrade Mulade said about 90% of the 400 billion would comes from the rural/riverine communities but are shortchanged and deprived from the beautiful developmental projects”

Mulade acknowledged that the state government approved several road constructions, rehabilitations, erosion control works, market infrastructure, housing projects, judicial facilities and educational developments across Warri, Uvwie, Udu, Ughelli, Okpe, Sapele, Asaba, Ika, Ndokwa, Isoko and other areas of the state.

The projects include the reconstruction of Warri Internal Ring Road Phase 2, rehabilitation of parts of the Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri Road, construction of roads in Ekpan, Udu, Ughelli, Oghara, Abraka, Asaba, Sapele, Kwale, Agbor and other communities, as well as institutional projects such as construction of hostels in state universities, judges’ quarters, police divisional headquarters for all 25 local government areas, and the completion of the Senate/Administrative Building at Delta State University, Abraka.

However, the Ijaw leader expressed concern that major riverine communities in Ijaw areas did not receive commensurate people-oriented infrastructure, despite the huge natural resources derived from the region.

He noted that aside from the Omadino–Okerenkoko–Escravos Road project, which is being jointly pursued by the Delta State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited, the newly approved projects did not sufficiently address the pressing infrastructural needs of the Ijaw axis of the state.

Chief Mulade said:

“It is imperative to state that Ijaw areas contributes over 50% of the economy of the state and the nation through oil and gas and blue economy resources, yet critical infrastructure remains largely absent in our riverine areas.”

He stressed that the absence of strategic infrastructure such as roads, bridges and social amenities continues to slow down economic growth in Ijaw communities and worsen the hardship faced by residents.

According to him, improved connectivity in the riverine areas would stimulate economic activities, boost commerce, enhance security and strengthen the political and social integration of the region within Delta State.

Mulade therefore urged the state government to consider approving and prioritising key infrastructure projects in Ijaw areas, particularly those that would link several coastal communities and unlock economic potential in the region.

Among the projects he recommended for urgent approval and completion are:

A matching order for the completion of the Ayakoromo Bridge, a strategic infrastructure that would significantly improve access between riverine communities and upland areas.

“I wish to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to reconsider and approved the road linking Burutu town, headquarters of Burutu LGA–Ogulagha Community, hosting Forcados Terminal, which is a strategic commercial nerve of the Delta economy, thereby creating a vital transportation and commercial corridor for several coastal communities; Construction and linking of Kurutie community, hosting the popular Nigerian Maritime University, Kurutie Campus –Oporoza–Ogidigben–Yokri Road, which would link up with the existing Yokri–Obotobo Road and significantly improve mobility across Ijaw and Itsekiri communities that would strengthen bonds and peaceful coexistence .

“It is painful to imagine, understand or believe the reasons behind the total marginalisation, deprivation and neglect of the Egbema kingdom Ijaws in Warri North LGA in all ramifications. Your Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Please kindly permit me to strongly and sincerely appeal to your indefatigable office to change the narrative by give sense of belonging through projects inclusivity”

He emphasised that such projects would transform the economic fortunes of the riverine/rural communities by opening up the area to investment, trade, tourism and agricultural development.

Mulade also called on Ijaw political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and elected representatives to intensify advocacy, constructive engagement and lobbying to ensure that development reflects the contributions of the ijaw nation in the state.

He said:

“Ijaw leaders must summon the courage to speak truth to power, lobby and demand for development. Our resource contribution should reflect critical and sustainable infrastructural development in our land. The lack of infrastructural development and social amenities is affecting our economic growth and weaken our collective prospects, which continously deplete our electoral values and political advancements”

The Ijaw leader nevertheless commended Governor Oborevwori for ongoing development efforts across the state and expressed hope that the administration would demonstrate fairness and inclusiveness by extending more impactful projects to the riverine communities.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom, concluded by urging the governor to revisit the project distribution template under the ₦400 billion infrastructure programme and ensure equitable development across all ethnic nationalities and regions of Delta State, particularly the Ijaw areas.

F R I E N D S, associates and family members gathered in Warri to celebrate Engr. Henry Ikutegbe as he marked another milestone in his life with a memorable birthday anniversary.

The occasion was filled with warmth and goodwill as well wishers praised the engr. for his humility, dedication to service and his enduring relationship with people across different walks of life.
Speaking during the celebration, Ikutegbe expressed deep gratitude to God for the gift of life, strength and good health, describing the new year in his life as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to humanity.

He noted that birthdays are not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to appreciate the grace that sustains life, adding that faith in God remains the greatest source of hope and renewal.

Many attendees described the celebrant as a man whose life inspires confidence and encouragement to others, noting that his birthday anniversary has continued to send messages of faith and redemption to those who believe in the healing hands of God.

The gathering will end on a joyful note, as gifts, prayers and goodwill messages are been offered for Ikutegbe’s continued health, prosperity and many more years of impactful living.

Truthsayer

During a recent working visit to the 74 area behind the Government House in Asaba, I was shocked to witness the glaring absence of government presence in this part of the capital. Despite the area being home to several large houses and exotic cars, the state of infrastructure was abysmal.

There were no paved roads, just rough, unkempt earth roads that made navigating the area a challenge.
It is disheartening to note that in such a central location, just a short distance from Denis Osadebe University, the lack of development is evident.

This area, which should be receiving attention due to its proximity to an academic institution, is left to suffer in neglect. The government’s failure to provide even basic infrastructure is a clear oversight.

The road conditions are so bad that even tricycles, commonly known as ‘keke,’ are unable to ply the route. This has made daily commutes for residents, including students who live in the area, incredibly difficult.

Those who need to travel to Denis Osadebe University for their studies find themselves spending exorbitant amounts of money on transportation because of the lack of accessible roads.

It is unfathomable that in a state capital such as Asaba, basic road networks are still a distant dream for its residents. What is the government doing to address such critical needs? As we continue to hear promises of development, the reality on the ground tells a different story, one of abandoned projects and unmet basic needs.

This area, with its visible wealth in private residences and vehicles, ought to be a priority for the government, yet it is left behind in terms of essential services. What this reflects is a complete disconnect between the leaders of the state and the people they are meant to serve.

How is it possible that in such a crucial part of Asaba, no steps have been taken to remedy the appalling infrastructure?
In the coming days, I will be sharing a video to further highlight the dire state of the roads in the 74 area. This will give the public a clearer picture of the neglect residents have been enduring for far too long.

It is time for the authorities, whether the governor or any other relevant official, to step up and make meaningful changes.
In a state where citizens deserve access to better living conditions, the government must recognize the fundamental importance of infrastructure. Leadership is about serving the people, not just enriching a select few. As it stands, the leaders in Delta State are failing those who need it most.

Ughelli – Chief Barr. Fred Okiemute Majemite has extended heartfelt congratulations to mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day, describing them as individuals whose lives are defined by purity of heart, deep compassion and immeasurable sacrifice.
Majemite, in his goodwill message marking the celebration, said mothers occupy a unique and irreplaceable place in society, noting that their love, patience and emotional strength continue to shape families and communities across the world.

He stated that motherhood represents one of life’s greatest responsibilities, as mothers devote their time, energy and affection to nurturing their children and guiding them toward becoming responsible members of society.

According to him, the sacrifices made by mothers often go unnoticed, yet their contributions remain the foundation upon which strong families and stable communities are built.

The legal practitioner commended mothers for their steadfast commitment to raising their children despite the many challenges they encounter, adding that their resilience and dedication deserve recognition and appreciation.

Majemite therefore called on families and communities to celebrate and honour mothers not only on Mother’s Day but at every opportunity, stressing that their enduring love and selflessness remain one of humanity’s greatest blessings.

Truthsayer

Dr. Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor (SAN) has stepped forward to lead the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State at a time many observers say the party is facing one of the most defining moments in its political history.

For months, the leadership of the party and several of its members were widely believed to be drifting towards political alignment with the All Progressives Congress, APC, the same party they fiercely campaigned against during the 2023 general elections, raising concerns about the future direction of the PDP in the state.
Mrakpor’s emergence as the new state chairman, however, is now being interpreted by party faithful and political watchers as a decisive step towards restoring confidence and rebuilding the political structure of the PDP across Delta State.

Speaking on the development, Mrakpor maintained that the time had come for the party to move beyond internal uncertainties and begin the process of repositioning its leadership while reconnecting with its grassroots base.

According to him, the realities confronting many residents of the state, particularly young people, including unemployment, weak human capital development, poor electricity supply and declining focus on agriculture, require purposeful leadership and renewed political direction.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria stressed that the next phase of the party’s political engagement must go beyond agitation and focus on strategic governance, technological advancement, economic inclusion and sound policy initiatives that can deliver meaningful development.

Observers believe Mrakpor’s emergence marks a moment of reflection within the PDP in Delta State, signalling that the task of rebuilding the party has begun and will demand courage, resilience and strong leadership to reposition it as a party truly driven by the aspirations of the people.

By: Truthsayer

Tension heightened in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Saturday as a large crowd of supporters thronged the venue of the Peoples Democratic Party state congress, marking the party’s re emergence after a period of low visibility in the state.

Despite tight security at the venue with a strict “no ticket, no entry” policy enforced by security operatives, party faithful and supporters gathered in large numbers, creating what observers described as an unprecedented turnout for the party’s internal exercise.
Many political watchers had earlier underestimated the influence of the newly emerged state chairman, Dr. Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor (SAN), but the turnout at the congress suggested renewed enthusiasm among party members and supporters across the state.

The development was considered significant given that the party currently has no councillor, member of the state House of Assembly, or political appointee holding office in the state, yet Dr. Mrakpor only one man pulled such mammoth crowd .

Supporters at the venue said the massive turnout demonstrated growing confidence in the new leadership of the party, expressing optimism that the PDP could regain its political footing in Delta State.
Speaking during the congress, Mrakpor assured members that efforts were underway to rebuild the party structure and reclaim the PDP secretariat in the state, declaring that the leadership was determined to reposition the party for future political contests.

By : Akpovoke Otiti

Engr.  Henry Ekutegbe has congratulated Dr. Adogbejiri Peter Mrakpor (SAN) following his emergence as the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, describing the development as a major boost for the party in the state.
Ekutegbe, in a congratulatory message made available to journalists, described Mrakpor as a seasoned administrator and legal luminary whose leadership qualities stand him out as a “no-match” candidate capable of repositioning the party for greater success.

According to him, the emergence of Mrakpor as chairman marks the beginning of a new era of purposeful leadership within the party, noting that his wealth of experience as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria would strengthen internal cohesion and party discipline.

He commended the leadership of the PDP in Delta State for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent process that produced Mrakpor as the party’s chairman, stressing that the decision reflects the confidence party stakeholders have in his ability to lead.

Ekutegbe also expressed appreciation to party faithful across the state for their unwavering commitment and belief in the leadership capacity of Mrakpor, urging them to remain united in order to move the party forward.
He further stated that with an “authentic Senior Advocate of Nigeria” now at the helm of the party structure in the state, the PDP would experience renewed strength, improved coordination and a stronger political presence.

The engineer expressed optimism that under Mrakpor’s leadership, the PDP would witness a significant increase in membership and support base across Delta State, while consolidating its position as the dominant political force in the state.

The Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has raised serious concern over the activities of individuals allegedly impersonating officials of the Delta State Environmental Management Agency (DESMA) and extorting money from motorists and transport operators within the council area.

The council disclosed that the suspected impostors, who reportedly dress in green uniforms, have been harassing commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as keke, motorcycle riders and other motorists across several parts of the local government.

In a statement issued by the council authorities, it was revealed that the individuals have been collecting illegal levies from members of the public, with the amount allegedly ranging between N30,000 and N150,000.

The council, however, clarified that the activities of the individuals are illegal, stressing that their operations are not backed by any law in Delta State.
It added that the local government had not authorised any group or individuals to operate as DESMA marshals or to collect money from residents and transport operators within the council area.

The statement therefore advised residents, motorists and transport operators not to cooperate with such individuals or make any payment to them under any circumstance.
The council also urged members of the public to immediately report anyone parading themselves as DESMA marshals to the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area or the nearest police station for appropriate action.

The statement was signed by Fidelis E. Erhiurhure, Principal Secretary to the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Iselle-Uku Operatives of Operation Delta Sweep have intercepted a police officer attached to Zone 5 Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State,  through the aide of  an activist popular known and called Wong Box. The Young Nigeria Right Organisation.  They intercepted the Edo Police officer over alleged collaboration with illegal revenue collectors operating along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Delta State.

The arrest occurred in the Issele-Uku axis of the highway during a routine patrol occassioned by public complaints on the activities of the touts. Authorities said the officer and several accomplices were allegedly part of a group mounting illegal roadblocks to extort money from unsuspecting motorists.

According to preliminary findings, the group was reportedly led by a man identified simply as Emma, who is currently at large.

Investigators believe the suspect coordinated the activities of the illegal collectors who operated along the busy expressway at night. Security sources disclosed that the syndicate allegedly mounted roadblocks between 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., demanding payments ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 from motorists under the guise of federal haulage revenue.

Upon sighting the approaching Operation Delta Sweep team, three police officers reportedly fled into the nearby bush in an attempt to evade arrest. However, one officer was apprehended alongside three young men believed to be members of the illegal operation.

The suspects were identified as Burema Midingawa, 19, from Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, described as a factory worker; Victor Joseph, 28, from Gombe Local Government Area of Adamawa State, said to be a poultry guard; and Ifeanyi Obinor, 35, an ICT engineer from Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

All four suspects were subsequently taken to Asaba for further interrogation by security authorities as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged illegal activities along the expressway.
Security officials noted that the incident has further exposed the presence of “bad eggs” within the security architecture, warning that such individuals undermine efforts by the Delta State Government to combat insecurity and maintain order across the state.

Ughelli – Chief Fred Okiemute Majemite has applauded the unveiling of the Ughelli Kingdom Formidable Movement, describing the initiative as a timely effort to unite sons and daughters of the kingdom.

Majemite, while appreciating the promoters of the movement, said the reasons behind its formation were based on clear realities facing the Ughelli people, particularly the need for unity and a collective voice in addressing issues affecting the kingdom.

He noted that the various communities that make up Ughelli Kingdom must come together and avoid division, stressing that progress and political relevance can only be achieved through unity.
Majemite therefore urged all sons and daughters of the kingdom to support the Ughelli Kingdom Formidable Movement, saying the platform offers a strategic opportunity to reposition the kingdom and correct long-standing political setbacks.

According to him, it was a matter of concern that no Ughelli son or daughter had held a major federal or state political position for a long time, including representation in the Senate or the Delta State House of Assembly.
He called on the people of the kingdom to put their house in order and work collectively to overcome what he described as political marginalisation, while also commending the leadership of the movement for the initiative aimed at uniting the people of Ughelli Kingdom.