President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the Council.
A statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announcing the reconstitution of the governing council and the Board of Trustees, revealed that the nine oil-producing states have two representatives each on the Council: Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse.
The other members are Loanyie Barituka Victor, who represents the Non-governmental Organisations focused on the environment, Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure, who represent the Niger Delta communities.
Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Baride Abdul Gwezia are the representatives of the Ogoni Community on the new Council.
Onanuga further disclosed four alternative members of the Council, representing Ogoniland and the Niger Delta: Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe, who was reappointed and Maeba Power Ekpobari as an alternate member of the Council representing Ogoniland.
He also mentioned Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei as representatives of the Niger Delta.
President Tinubu also reappointed Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah as the chairman HYREP Board of Trustees.
Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol are to represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board.
Also, Dorcas Amos represents other Niger Delta communities, while Jide Damazio, who was reappointed, represents the NGOs dealing with environmental issues.