Peace and development advocate, Comrade (Dr.) Sheriff Mulade, has appealed to the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities of Delta State to strengthen ties of unity and cooperation in order to attract investment and foster development in their communities. Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, made the call during an interactive session with leaders of both groups in Warri. The United Nations Peace Ambassador stressed that genuine progress could only be achieved through harmony, tolerance, and collective pursuit of development, warning against divisive tendencies rooted in bias and supremacy struggles. According to him, “is the only way that we can grow and development our areas.” He expressed disappointment over the recurring ethnic discord in the region, stating, “Frankly, we are disgracing ourselves, and it is highly disappointing that many of us are beating the drum of ethnic war for personal interest and recognition. Please, we don't need division, but progressive ties that will attract investors and development to our communities.” Mulade further highlighted that despite contributing significantly to the state and national economy, both the Ijaw and Itsekiri communities have continued to suffer neglect due to their inability to forge a united front. “It is imperative to state that the Ijaw and Itsekiri areas in Delta State contribute the highest quota in the oil and gas industry as well as the blue economy, but we are deliberately deprived, neglected and shortchanged from development because of ethnic division and hatred amongst ourselves, which has eluded us,” he said. The Niger Delta activist urged traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders across both groups to place peace and development above personal or ethnic pride. “I want to strongly appeal to our revered traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders to allow peace and development thrive. We are victims of underdevelopment because of our individual and ethnic pride that is affecting our growth and development. Today, all development efforts are concentrated in the uplands while neglecting the sources of the resources,” he lamented.