Tinubu reconstitutes HYREP Governing Council, Board of Trustees

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP).

The Minister of Environment will serve as chairman of the new council, which also includes Loanyie Barituka Victor, representing environmental NGOs; Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure, representing Niger Delta communities; and Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia, representing the Ogoni community.

The nine oil-producing states will be represented by Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr. Ibikunle Omotehinse.

Four alternate members were also appointed: Rev. Canon Dr. Abraham Olungwe (reappointed) and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari for Ogoniland, and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the Niger Delta.

For the Board of Trustees, Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah was reappointed as chairman. Other members include Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol for the Ogoni communities, Mrs. Dorcas Amos for other Niger Delta communities, and Chief Jide Damazio (reappointed) for environmental NGOs.

HYREP is responsible for implementing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations on the cleanup of Ogoniland and other hydrocarbon-impacted communities.