Delta activist Sheriff Mulade urges government and oil firms to prioritise education in rural and riverine areas for peace and national development
Prominent Delta State environmental and peace advocate, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on the state government and multinational oil companies to prioritise education in the state’s rural and riverine communities, stressing its critical role in achieving peace and national progress.
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Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), made the appeal in Warri on Tuesday during the opening of the annual CEPEJ Quiz and Essay Competition designed for students from rural and riverine secondary schools across Delta State.
He urged the Delta State Government to “pay more attention” to schools in remote areas, warning that neglecting education in these communities could hinder sustainable development and exacerbate unrest.
“Education is the backbone of any economy,” Mulade said. “If Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, hopes to attain technological advancement, then education must be taken seriously, especially in marginalised regions.”
According to Mulade, the CEPEJ initiative aims to bridge the educational divide between urban and rural schools, exposing students from underserved communities to academic competition, improved learning experiences, and greater confidence.
He also encouraged multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to channel their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts toward supporting schools in their host communities, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).
“Oil firms should contribute to the eradication of illiteracy and help reduce civil unrest in their operational areas,” he added.
Mulade, who hails from the Ijaw ethnic group, used the occasion to promote peace and harmony among Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities in the Warri Federal Constituency. He called for ethnic unity and highlighted the role of education in fostering mutual understanding and development.
“We must shun violence and embrace peace. Education provides the platform for unity and growth. That’s why we focus on sensitising and empowering our children through learning-based competitions,” he said.
He also revealed that CEPEJ is committed to supporting brilliant but underprivileged students through scholarships and awareness programmes, ensuring no child is left behind due to their geographical or economic background.
Participating Schools – Quiz Competition:
- Esenaebe College, Bomadi LGA
- Sokebolou Secondary School, Burutu LGA
- Emore Grammar School, Oleh, Isoko South LGA
- Akiewhe Secondary School, Akiewhe, Isoko North
- Isaba Grammar School, Warri South-West LGA
- Obodo Secondary School, Warri South LGA
- Omateye College, Ajagbodudu, Warri North LGA
- Agoloma Secondary School, Agoloma, Patani LGA
Participating Schools – Essay Competition:
- Ogidigben Grammar School, Warri South-West LGA
- Oloduwa Secondary School, Opuama, Warri North LGA
- Aviara Secondary School, Aviara, Isoko South LGA
- Oketa Model Grammar School, Ofagbe, Isoko North
- Aven Secondary School, Aven, Patani LGA
- Ogo-Eze Secondary Commercial School, Bomadi LGA
- Ubeji Secondary School, Warri South LGA
- Tuomo Grammar School, Tuomo, Burutu LGA
Mulade reiterated that CEPEJ will continue to use educational platforms to encourage excellence, promote peace, and inspire community development in the Niger Delta region. He called on government bodies, NGOs, and private individuals to join the cause.
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“The future of our youth depends on the investment we make in their education today. Let’s ensure they are not left behind,” he concluded.
