By Abbas Nazil
Groups in Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reconstituting the Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and appointing Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah as chairman.
They described the move as a major step that will strengthen the ongoing environmental cleanup efforts in Ogoniland, which have long suffered the effects of decades of oil pollution.
The Ogoni United Family, OUF, and the Ogoni Youth Federation, OYF, gave the commendation in Port Harcourt through separate press statements, stressing that the decision demonstrated the president’s genuine commitment to transforming Ogoni.
OUF, in a statement jointly signed by its facilitator, Dominic S. Dumekpigi, its legal adviser, Barrister Lezua Diane Opara, and publicity secretary, Michael Brown, hailed the president for acting in the overall interest of the Ogoni people.
The group noted that the appointment of Deeyah would bring the needed transformation in the cleanup project and reinvigorate HYPREP’s operations.
According to the statement, the appointment reflects that “good deeds, hard work and resilience pays” and demonstrates Deeyah’s capacity for pragmatic and inclusive leadership.
They further expressed confidence that his leadership would result in revitalization and repositioning of HYPREP, leading to organic transformation of Ogoni land.
OUF also prayed for God’s wisdom, health, and grace to guide Deeyah in what they described as a challenging assignment while thanking President Tinubu for recognizing the worth of illustrious Ogoni sons.
They equally acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in ensuring Ogoni representation in such national appointments.
Similarly, the Ogoni Youth Federation in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Comrade Faith Kpabep, expressed optimism that Deeyah’s leadership would positively impact the cleanup program.
The group highlighted his exemplary leadership record, integrity, and vision, describing him as a man whose career has been marked by dedication to the advancement of his people and the values of any office he has held.
OYF emphasized that the appointment stood as proof that President Tinubu remains committed to genuine transformation in Ogoniland through competent leadership of critical agencies.
They described the move as a sign of the president’s responsiveness to the long-standing demands of the Goonies people for progress in the HYPREP program.
Both groups noted that Deeyah’s leadership will be crucial in tackling the environmental challenges in Ogoni land and restoring public confidence in the remediation project.
