Chief Sheriff Mulade, Ph.D, the Ibe Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom and National Democratic Party (NDP) standard-bearer for the House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency, has called for stronger collaboration among academic institutions, traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders in addressing the environmental, socio-economic and developmental challenges confronting the Niger Delta region.

Mulade made the call while congratulating the Pere of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, on his appointment and successful inauguration as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Institute for Niger Delta Studies (INDS), Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.

According to the Ibe Serimowei, the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta require collective action involving researchers, traditional rulers, government institutions, development agencies, private-sector operators and communities.

He maintained that academic institutions have an important role to play through research and the development of evidence-based solutions, while traditional institutions remain indispensable because of their understanding of the history, culture, environment and developmental aspirations of their people.

Mulade said stronger collaboration between both institutions and relevant stakeholders would help generate practical ideas and policy recommendations for tackling environmental degradation, socio-economic challenges, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and other development concerns affecting communities across the region.

"The Niger Delta is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet our communities continue to grapple with environmental and developmental challenges. 

"There is therefore an urgent need for stronger collaboration between academia, our traditional institutions, government, development agencies and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions," he stated.

Mulade described the appointment of the Gbaramatu monarch to lead the INDS Advisory Council as significant, saying His Majesty's wealth of experience, wisdom and understanding of the realities confronting Niger Delta communities would strengthen the Institute's focus on socio-ecological justice, regional development and empowerment.

He said the monarch had over the years demonstrated commitment to peace, unity and sustainable development, expressing confidence that his leadership would further enhance the capacity of the Institute to produce research and recommendations capable of positively impacting the region.

Mulade also commended the Institute for Niger Delta Studies and Niger Delta University for recognising the importance of traditional institutions and indigenous knowledge in advancing academic research and regional development.

He urged stakeholders across the Niger Delta to embrace dialogue, knowledge-sharing and partnerships that place the welfare and sustainable development of oil-producing communities at the centre of policy and intervention programmes.

The NDP House of Representatives candidate further stressed that development initiatives in the region would achieve greater impact when communities and their traditional institutions are adequately involved in identifying challenges, setting priorities and implementing solutions.

Mulade congratulated Oboro-Gbaraun II on the new responsibility and prayed Almighty God to grant the monarch wisdom, sound health, strength and longevity as he provides leadership to the Advisory Council and continues his service to Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Niger Delta region.