Environmental and Niger Delta rights activist Sheriff Mulade has called on the Delta State Government to urgently prioritise industrialisation as a strategic response to the growing unemployment rate in the state.

Mulade made the call while addressing journalists on the economic situation in Delta, warning that the rising number of unemployed youths poses a serious social and economic risk if not addressed through sustainable economic policies.

According to him, the state possesses enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas servicing, manufacturing, and small-scale industries, which can be harnessed to create thousands of jobs for young people.

He stressed that a deliberate industrialisation policy would help transform Delta’s economy from heavy dependence on government spending to a productive economy driven by private sector investment and manufacturing.

Mulade explained that establishing industrial clusters, agro-processing zones, and manufacturing hubs across the state would not only create employment opportunities but also attract investors and stimulate economic growth.

The activist noted that many Delta youths remain unemployed despite possessing skills and education, largely due to the limited number of industries capable of absorbing the state’s growing workforce.

He therefore urged the state government, under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori, to develop policies that encourage industrial investments, improve infrastructure, and provide incentives for businesses willing to establish factories and production facilities in the state.

Mulade also emphasised the need for improved power supply, better road networks, and access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises, noting that these factors are critical for industrial growth.

He warned that failure to create jobs for young people could increase social unrest, crime, and economic instability in the region.

The activist therefore appealed to policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to collaborate in building a strong industrial base capable of driving sustainable development and reducing unemployment in Delta State.

At least 16 people have reportedly been killed following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Local sources said the attacks occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, targeting communities including Jato-Aka, Mbachon, and Tse-Yough in the Yaav Council Ward of the local government area. The assailants reportedly opened fire on residents, leaving many dead while several others sustained injuries, and some remain missing.

Residents said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence. Several houses and properties were also reportedly destroyed during the assault.

Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

The governor assured residents that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack were apprehended and brought to justice. He also called on security operatives to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

Authorities said investigations into the attack are ongoing, while security agencies have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural communities where clashes and raids have frequently led to loss of lives and displacement of residents.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission disclosed that the promotions followed a rigorous selection process that included merit assessment, seniority, service records, as well as written examinations and oral interviews conducted at its corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The officers elevated to the rank of DIG include Zachariah Fera Achinyan, Zango Ibrahim Baba, Isyaku Mohammed, Margaret Agebe Ochalla, Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, and Umar Shehu Nadada.

According to the Commission, the promotions became necessary following vacancies created by the recent retirement of eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police who previously held key positions within the force.

The development comes shortly after the elevation of Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, a move that will see him join the Force Management Team.

Chairman of the Commission, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

Argungu charged the officers to uphold professionalism, strengthen internal discipline within the force, and prioritise national security in the discharge of their duties. He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with the Commission in advancing ongoing reforms and institutional development within the Nigeria Police Force.

The PSC noted that the promotions form part of broader efforts to reinforce leadership capacity and improve operational effectiveness within the nation’s policing system.