Tinubu reconstitutes HYREP to reinforce fight against Oil pollution in Niger Delta

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental restoration in the Niger Delta.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Monday.

According to the statement, the Minister of Environment would serve as Chairman of the Governing Council, which would oversee the clean-up and rehabilitation efforts, particularly in Ogoniland.

Council members include Loanyie Barituka Victor, representing environmental-focused NGOs; Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure, representing Niger Delta communities; 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 will also serve on the council: Rev. Canon Dr. Abraham Olungwe (reappointed) and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari, representing Ogoniland; and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei, representing the Niger Delta.

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

The reconstitution comes as HYREP continues its mandate to remediate decades of oil pollution and restore livelihoods across affected communities in the Niger Delta.