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 to serve as Chairman of the Council.

The Council members include Loanyie Barituka Victor, representing environmental 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. Alternate members include Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe (reappointed) and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari for Ogoniland, as well as Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei for the Niger Delta.

President Tinubu also approved a new HYREP Board of Trustees, retaining Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah as Chairman. Other members include Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol, representing Ogoni communities and stakeholders; Mrs Dorcas Amos, representing other Niger Delta communities; and Chief Jide Damazio (reappointed), representing environmental NGOs.

The appointments were announced in a statement on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.