By Abdullahi Lukman
President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), appointing the Minister of Environment as Chairman of the Council.
This was announced in a press release by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The newly appointed council members include Loanyie Barituka Victor (environmental NGOs), Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure (Niger Delta communities), Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia (Ogoni community), as well as Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse (oil-producing states).
Alternate members are Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari (Ogoniland), along with Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei (Niger Delta).
President Tinubu also reappointed Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah as Chairman of the HYREP Board of Trustees.
Other board members include Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol (Ogoni stakeholders), Mrs Dorcas Amos (Niger Delta), and Chief Jide Damazio (environmental NGOs), who was also reappointed.
The reconstitution aims to strengthen environmental cleanup and restoration efforts in Ogoniland and the Niger Delta region.