Mulade Advocates Peace, Industrialisation, Jobs in Delta as Rotary Club of Warri Leads Peace Walk

Renowned Niger Delta environmentalist and rights activist, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on stakeholder leaders and the Delta State Government to intensify support for initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri, Delta State.

Mulade made the call on Saturday during a peace walk organised by the Rotary Club of Warri, aimed at strengthening peacebuilding efforts and preventing conflict in the oil-rich city.

The peace walk commenced from Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church at Airport Junction, Effurun, proceeded through Estate, and terminated at Angle Park Junction in Warri South Local Government Area. 

The exercise was led by the club’s president, Rotarian Chris Iyowaye, alongside other members and prominent stakeholders who took the advocacy for peace to the streets. Speaking at the event, Mulade described Warri as the commercial nerve centre of Delta State, stressing that the city belongs to all ethnic groups. 

He lamented that since the outbreak of the Warri crisis in 1997, the area has struggled to fully recover, noting that recent ward delineation exercises by the Independent National Electoral Commission have further heightened tensions. “What we must continue to do is to advocate peaceful coexistence among the three ethnic groups. We must live together, bond together and build a common future,” he said.

The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom also used the occasion to call on the Delta State Government to urgently prioritise large-scale industrialisation as a sustainable solution to rising unemployment and worsening socio-economic conditions.

While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as “remarkable and visible achievements” in infrastructure development, Mulade cautioned that physical infrastructure alone would not adequately address poverty, hunger and joblessness.
“The governor has recorded landmark achievements in road construction and other critical infrastructure, and these efforts are commendable. 

However, the rising level of unemployment demands urgent attention,” he said.“The government should deliberately pursue 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.”

Participants at the peace walk included Rotarians Sheriff Mulade, Ogedegbe Lucky, Barber Ebi, Regina Edukugho, Bawo Oteri, Edafe Otafia, Tunde Odesanya, Ete-Ethel Anomuoghanran, Preye Foh and Asheshe Vincent, alongside other stakeholders such as Mike Agbona, Barry Kekai, Lion Olore Imokhe, Lion Leri Iyowaye and numerous supporters.

The peace walk ended with a collective call on government, traditional institutions, civil society and community leaders to promote, build and sustain peace in Warri, Delta State and Nigeria at large.

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