Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Sheriff Mulade, has called on local government chairmen across Delta State to intensify efforts at grassroots development, stressing the need to complement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s socio-economic and infrastructural transformation agenda.
Mulade made the appeal while addressing community leaders and stakeholders at an interactive session on grassroots governance.
He highlighted that meaningful development at the local level is critical to the overall progress and stability of the state.
According to him, while the state government continues to implement people-oriented policies and strategic projects aimed at improving infrastructure and economic growth, local councils must ensure rural communities directly benefit from these initiatives.
“Governor Oborevwori is demonstrating strong commitment to transforming Delta State through inclusive governance and strategic development projects. Local government chairmen must complement these efforts by ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt at the grassroots,” Mulade said.
He emphasized that sustainable development in Delta State cannot be achieved without effective collaboration between state and local government authorities, particularly in areas such as rural infrastructure, environmental protection, youth empowerment, healthcare, and education.
He expressed concern over the slow pace of development in riverine and hinterland communities, citing inadequate infrastructure and neglect as drivers of poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness, and economic hardship.
He urged local government leaders to prioritise essential services, including access roads, potable water, functional schools, and primary healthcare facilities.
He also noted that effective rural development would help curb rural-urban migration, boost agricultural productivity, improve food security, and create employment opportunities for young people.
Commending Governor Oborevwori’s development blueprint, Mulade encouraged local government officials to align their programmes with the state’s transformation agenda to ensure uniform progress across all communities.
“Strong synergy between the state and local governments will accelerate project delivery, improve service provision, and enhance living standards, especially in underserved areas,” he added.
Mulade further called for transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, stressing that responsible governance is essential for achieving sustainable development.
He urged local government councils to engage regularly with traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, and youth organisations to identify pressing challenges and design effective solutions.
The activist also encouraged investment in skills acquisition programmes, agricultural initiatives, and small-scale enterprise support to empower rural dwellers and stimulate local economies, arguing that economic empowerment is key to tackling insecurity and social instability.
Community leaders and stakeholders at the session praised Mulade’s intervention, describing it as timely and necessary for strengthening grassroots governance in Delta State.
They called on local government administrations to respond positively by prioritizing rural development and supporting the state government’s efforts to deliver meaningful development. Some also stressed the need for robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that local projects meet standards and deliver lasting impact.
Concluding his address, Mulade reiterated that the future prosperity of Delta State depends largely on effective governance at the grassroots.
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, leaving no community behind.
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