Industrialise Delta to curb rising unemployment, Mulade urges Oborevwori
A peace and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritise large-scale industrialisation as a central pillar of Delta State’s development strategy. He said that
A peace and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to prioritise large-scale industrialisation as a central pillar of Delta State’s development strategy.
He said that doing so would curb the rising unemployment rate and preventing potential security threats.
Mulade made the call in a statement issued to journalists in Warri on Wednesday, expressing concern over "an alarming rate of joblessness," particularly among youths.
Commending the governor for “remarkable and visible achievements” in infrastructure development across urban centres in Delta State, Mulade stressed that physical infrastructure alone would not sufficiently address growing poverty, hunger and unemployment.
According to him, the state must deliberately refocus its policies towards stimulating industrial growth and expanding 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, therefore demands urgent attention.
"Without industrialization, the problem of poverty and hunger will continue to worsen,” he said.
Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, called on the state government to revive moribund industries and create an enabling environment capable of attracting both local and foreign investors.
He noted that Delta’s strategic location, abundant natural resources and human capital, position it to become a major industrial hub if backed by the right policies and strong political will.
“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 added.
He maintained that aggressive industrialisation would not only reduce unemployment, but also boost internally generated revenue and strengthen long-term economic stability in the state.