Delta State-born environmentalist and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has urged Governor Oborevwori to adopt a pragmatic approach towards the industrialisation of Delta State through the strategic development of agriculture and aquaculture.
Mulade in a statement issued at the weekend emphasized that world leaders are increasingly adopting strategic measures to harness their countries’ resources for infrastructure development, job creation, and economic expansion.
“Delta State is greatly endowed with arable land and marine resources that can turn the State into a food basket for local consumption and create revenues via exports, while also achieving the aim of diversifying from an oil-dependent economy in the long run,” Mulade stated.
The Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area further explained that agro-based industrialisation would significantly reduce unemployment, tackle food scarcity, and boost food sufficiency and affordability across the State.
“By engaging our youths and women, we will reduce the rate of unemployment and food scarcity, while addressing the poverty index of the State.
“Agro-based industrialisation will help to reduce insecurity, criminal tendencies, and immorality in our society. An idle mind, as the saying goes, is the devil’s workshop.
“Meaningful engagement of our youths and women will improve peace, reduce anti-social behaviours such as armed robbery and prostitution, and attract more investors to Delta State.
“Apart from crude oil, there are many resources in the riverine communities, particularly in the aquacultural sector. Harnessing these potentials will transform the coastal areas into major seafood exporting zones and create new revenue streams.”
Mulade, therefore, appealed to Governor Oborevwori to prioritise the industrialisation of Delta State through agriculture and aquaculture, insisting that these sectors should be developed devoid of political considerations.
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