A prominent 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 deepen bonds of unity and friendship in order to attract investment and foster sustainable 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 a meeting with some leaders of the two ethnic groups in Warri.
As a United Nations Peace Ambassador, he stressed that true progress could only be achieved if both groups embraced peace, unity, and love, while discarding ethnic supremacy and divisive tendencies.
“Frankly, we are disgracing ourselves. It is highly disappointing that some of us continue to beat the drum of ethnic conflict for personal gain and recognition. What we need is not division, but stronger ties that will attract investors and bring development to our communities,” he urged.
Mulade further highlighted that despite the enormous contributions of Ijaw and Itsekiri communities to Nigeria’s oil, gas, and blue economy, the areas remain underdeveloped largely because of long-standing acrimony.
“It is imperative to note that the Ijaw and Itsekiri people contribute the highest quota in the oil and gas industry, yet we are deliberately deprived and neglected. Ethnic division and hatred have robbed us of the development we deserve,” he lamented.
He therefore appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders from both ethnic groups to prioritize peace and collective growth.
“We are victims of underdevelopment because of our individual and ethnic pride. While our resources sustain the nation, development is concentrated in the uplands, leaving our host communities behind. We must change this narrative through unity,” Mulade noted.
