From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to combat environmental degradation caused by oil pollution, President Bola Tinubu has announced the reappointment of former member of the National Assembly, representing the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
The announcement also includes the reconstitution of the entire HYPREP Board of Trustees, signalling a renewed focus on restoring the Niger Delta’s fragile ecosystem.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the reappointment of Deeyah, a respected environmental advocate, underscores the President’s commitment to continuity and leadership stability for HYPREP, which plays a critical role in addressing hydrocarbon pollution across Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.
In addition to renewing Deeyah’s tenure, President Tinubu has filled key seats on the Board with representatives drawn from diverse Niger Delta communities and environmental stakeholders.
He also announced the appointment of Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol to represent the Ogoni communities and related stakeholders, ensuring the voices of this vital group continue to influence policy and remediation efforts.
Dorcas Amos joins the Board as a representative for other Niger Delta communities, broadening regional inclusiveness. He reappointed Chief Jide Damazio to represent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) actively engaged in environmental advocacy and pollution control, reflecting the administration’s recognition of NGOs’ pivotal role in environmental governance.
According to the statement, the reconstituted Board of Trustees will work closely with the Governing Council and the Ministry of Environment, under whose leadership HYPREP operates, to drive the project’s mandate of cleaning up oil spill sites, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.
President Tinubu’s action to reconstitute the HYPREP Board comes amid ongoing challenges posed by decades of hydrocarbon pollution in Nigeria’s oil-producing states, affecting biodiversity, public health, and economic development. This leadership renewal aims to invigorate HYPREP’s capacity to coordinate effective remediation initiatives, leveraging collaboration between government, communities, and industry stakeholders.
The reconstituted HYPREP Governing Council includes the Minister of Environment as Chairman, Loanyie Barituka Victor representing NGOs focused on the environment, Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure representing Niger Delta communities, Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia representing the Ogoni community, and Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse representing the nine oil-producing states. Four alternate members include Rev Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe and Engr Maeba Power Ekpobari for Ogoniland, and Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the Niger Delta.
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