Mulade Hails Oborevwori’s Infrastructure Drive, Calls for Grassroots Development Across Delta LGAs

By Wilson Macaulay

WARRI

Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Sheriff Mulade, has called on local government chairmen across Delta State to intensify rural development efforts in order to complement the infrastructural and socio-economic transformation agenda of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Mulade made the call while addressing community leaders and stakeholders during an interactive session on grassroots governance, where he stressed that meaningful development at the local level remains critical to the overall progress and stability of the state. He noted that while the state government continues to implement people-oriented policies and strategic projects aimed at improving infrastructure and economic growth, local government administrations must take deliberate steps to ensure that rural communities benefit directly from such initiatives.
According to him, sustainable development in Delta State cannot be achieved without effective collaboration between state and local government authorities, particularly in the areas of rural infrastructure, environmental protection, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, and education.
Need for Effective Grassroots Governance
Mulade emphasized that local governments, as the closest tier of government to the people, have a constitutional responsibility to provide essential services, including access roads, potable water, primary healthcare centres, and functional educational facilities in rural communities.
He expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of development in many riverine and hinterland communities, noting that inadequate infrastructure and neglect of rural areas continue to fuel poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness, and economic hardship.
He said that while the governor has demonstrated strong commitment toward transforming Delta State through inclusive governance and strategic development policies, local government chairmen must complement these efforts by ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt at the grassroots.
“The governor is making visible efforts to transform Delta State through strategic projects and people-oriented policies. Local government chairmen must complement these efforts by ensuring that rural communities experience tangible development. Governance must be felt at the grassroots,” he stated.
Mulade further noted that effective rural development would help reduce rural-urban migration, boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and create employment opportunities for young people.
Support for State Government’s Development Blueprint
The activist commended Governor Oborevwori’s development blueprint, particularly its emphasis on inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, economic empowerment, and improved welfare for citizens. He urged local government leaders to align their programmes with the governor’s transformation agenda to ensure uniform progress across all communities.
He noted that strong synergy between the state and local governments would accelerate project delivery, improve service provision, and enhance the living standards of residents, especially those in underserved areas.
Mulade also encouraged local government chairmen to embrace transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, stressing that responsible governance remains a critical factor in achieving sustainable development.
Call for Community Engagement and Accountability
Highlighting the importance of community participation, Mulade urged local government officials to maintain regular engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, and youth organisations to identify pressing developmental challenges and design effective solutions.
He emphasized that inclusive governance and community-driven development would enhance public trust, reduce conflicts, and promote sustainable outcomes.
He further called on local government councils to invest in skills acquisition programmes, agricultural initiatives, and small-scale enterprise support to empower rural dwellers and stimulate local economies. According to him, empowering communities economically would help tackle insecurity and social instability.
Stakeholders Applaud Initiative
Community leaders and stakeholders present at the session welcomed Mulade’s intervention, describing it as timely and necessary for strengthening grassroots governance in Delta State.
They urged local government administrations to respond positively to the call by prioritizing rural development and supporting the state government’s efforts to deliver meaningful development across all communities.
Some stakeholders also emphasized the need for improved monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that development projects executed at the local level meet expected standards and deliver lasting impact.
Towards Sustainable Rural Transformation
Mulade concluded by reiterating that the future prosperity of Delta State depends largely on effective governance at the grassroots level. He stressed that collective commitment by state and local authorities would guarantee balanced development, social stability, and long-term economic growth.
He expressed optimism that increased collaboration, accountability, and people-centred policies would accelerate rural transformation, improve living conditions, and strengthen the state’s overall development trajectory, ensuring that no community is left behind in the march toward sustainable progress.