A Tale of Two Deltas: Activist Decries Marginalization of Ijaw, Itsekiri Communities on State’s 34th Anniversary

On an occasion meant for celebration, a prominent voice from the Niger Delta has chosen to issue a powerful critique. As Delta State marked its 34th anniversary, a peace and environmental rights advocate, Mulade Sheriff, decried the persistent neglect of the state’s oil-producing Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, calling for a more equitable distribution of resources.

In a statement released to journalists in Warri, Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe Serimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State on the milestone. However, he quickly pivoted to a more somber tone, lamenting the “deliberate neglect and marginalization” of the riverine areas, despite their significant contributions to the state’s coffers. “It is quite unfortunate that the riverine communities, mainly dominated by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, have been deprived despite their enormous resource contributions,” he stated.

Mulade’s concerns are not new. The history of the Niger Delta is a tale of a region that provides the bulk of Nigeria’s wealth but has been plagued by underdevelopment and conflict. The Ijaw and Itsekiri, in particular, have a long-standing history of rivalry over the control of oil-rich lands and political representation. The activist’s call for unity between the two groups is a critical element of his message, as he believes that a united front is the only way to attract the necessary development to their areas.

The activist outlined specific projects that he believes the government should prioritize. Among them are the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene Road, which he argues would link several communities and boost economic activities. He also advised the governor to upgrade the moribund Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu, into a university campus, a move that would boost the “blue economy” and create employment opportunities for local youths.

Mulade’s message is a direct challenge to the state government’s celebratory mood. He argues that spending lavishly on political funfairs is a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and that the 34th anniversary should mark the beginning of transformative projects. His impassioned plea serves as a reminder that for true peace and development to take root in the Niger Delta, the government must address the historical injustices and invest in the communities that have long been the backbone of the nation’s economy. The ball is now in the court of Governor Oborevwori to prove that his administration is committed to the development of all parts of the state.