Chief Mulade Sheriff Urges Delta State Government to Shift Focus Toward Large-Scale Industrialization to Mitigate Youth Unemployment

Chief Mulade Sheriff calls on Delta Governor Oborevwori to prioritize industrialization. Read why infrastructure alone won't solve youth unemployment in 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 4:52 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Newspapers

The Call for a Strategic Economic Shift

A prominent peace and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Dr) Mulade Sheriff, has issued an urgent appeal to the Delta State Government to adopt large-scale industrialization as its primary economic strategy. In a statement released on Wednesday in Warri, Mulade emphasized that while infrastructure development is vital, it cannot stand alone as a solution to the state’s worsening socio-economic conditions. He cautioned that the current trajectory of rising unemployment, particularly among the youth population, serves as a harbinger of potential security instability. By advocating for a pivot toward industrial policy, Mulade seeks to align the state’s physical growth with sustainable job creation.

Acknowledging Infrastructure vs. Human Capital Needs

Chief Mulade extended commendations to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his "remarkable and visible achievements" in urban road construction and critical physical infrastructure. However, he maintained that high-quality roads do not directly solve the systemic issues of poverty, hunger, and joblessness. According to the advocate, the state must deliberately engineer policies that stimulate industrial output and broaden the labor market. He suggested that infrastructure should be viewed as a foundation for industrial hubs rather than the final destination of government spending.

Reviving Moribund Industries and Attracting Investment

As the Ibe-Sorimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mulade highlighted Delta State’s competitive advantages, including its strategic coastal location, vast natural resources, and abundant human capital. He urged the administration to prioritize the revival of dormant industrial sites that once served as economic engines for the state. By creating a more enabling environment for both local and foreign investors, Delta could transition into a regional industrial hub. Mulade stressed that political will is the missing ingredient required to transform these natural advantages into a robust, private-sector-driven economy.