A peace and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Dr) Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Delta State Government to urgently embrace large-scale industrialization as a strategy to curb rising unemployment and worsening socio-economic conditions in the state.
Mulade made the call in a statement released to journalists in Warri on Wednesday, where he expressed concern over what he described as an alarming rate of unemployment across the state, particularly among the youths.
He said lack of employment will pose a strong security threat to the state in no distance time.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he termed “remarkable and visible achievements” in infrastructure development across urban cities in Delta State, Mulade stressed that physical infrastructure alone would not sufficiently address the growing challenges of poverty, hunger and joblessness.
According to him, the state must deliberately shift attention to policies that stimulate industrial growth and expand employment opportunities for its teeming population.
“The governor has recorded landmark achievements in road construction and other critical infrastructure, and these efforts are commendable. However, the rising level of unemployment is an indication to security threats, therfore demands urgent attention.
Without industrialization, the problem of poverty and hunger will continue to worsen,” he said.
Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, urged the state government to revive moribund industries and create an enabling environment that would attract local and foreign investors.
He added that Delta State’s strategic location, abundant natural resources and human capital gave it a competitive advantage to emerge as an industrial hub if the right policies and political will were put in place.
“The government should introduce deliberate and people-centred industrial policies, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and encourage private sector participation. Sustainable job creation can only be achieved through a robust industrial base,” Mulade noted.
The renowned environmental rights advocate, maintained that aggressive industrialization would not only reduce unemployment but also boost internally generated revenue and enhance long-term economic stability in the state.
