By Reporter Agregor Ebiboere Immaculate

WARRI, DELTA STATE — The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Chief Hon. Sheriff Mulade, has unveiled a Seven-Point Development Compact aimed at driving job creation, economic renewal, environmental justice and peaceful coexistence among the people of Warri.

Mulade unveiled the development agenda on Tuesday, September 22, during a homecoming visit to the palace of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, where he sought royal prayers, counsel and blessings ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom described the Seven-Point Development Compact as the proposed blueprint for his legislative representation and constituency development programmes if elected to the House of Representatives.

A major focus of the agenda is the revival of the Escravos Free Trade Zone, which Mulade identified as his foremost legislative priority.

According to him, reviving the project could attract investors, stimulate commercial activities, create direct and indirect employment opportunities and strengthen Warri’s position as a major economic hub in the Niger Delta.

He also highlighted challenges facing Warri and surrounding communities, including oil spills, environmental degradation, unemployment and what he described as inadequate federal presence despite the area’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil economy.

Mulade said his development compact would focus on creating economic opportunities, empowering youths and women, supporting community development, advocating environmental justice and strengthening engagement with relevant federal agencies and institutions.

The NDP candidate also placed peace and unity among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at the centre of his proposed representation.

He pledged to promote friendship, understanding and cooperation among traditional rulers and the people of the three ethnic groups, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential for sustainable development in Warri.

“Without peace among the thrones, there cannot be sustainable development in Warri,” Mulade said.

He added that his ambition would be guided by inclusiveness and a commitment to serve all communities within the Warri Federal Constituency.

The peace advocate explained that his decision to begin his homecoming tour at the Gbaramatu throne was in line with tradition and his belief that “charity begins at home.”

The Delta State Chairman of the NDP, Hon. Emeka Umerah, appealed to the Pere and people of Gbaramatu Kingdom to support Mulade’s aspiration, describing him as a candidate with the experience and commitment required to provide effective representation.

Also speaking, Chief Orhadahwe Godwin Okite, PhD, highlighted what he described as Mulade’s record of peacebuilding, scholarship support, youth empowerment, job creation initiatives, assistance to vulnerable persons and community development across the creeks.

Responding, the Pere described Mulade as capable, competent and experienced, expressing pride that a son of Gbaramatu Kingdom was aspiring to represent the Warri Federal Constituency.

The monarch also commended the presence of Urhobo and Itsekiri representatives in Mulade’s delegation, describing it as a demonstration of the unity required for peaceful and progressive elections in the constituency.

The homecoming visit ended with royal blessings from the Pere, who prayed for Mulade and his entourage, seeking protection, wisdom and success as they proceed with their political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.