By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a revamped Governing Council and Board of Trustees, signaling a renewed commitment to tackling environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. The announcement, made through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, underscores Tinubu’s focus on driving impactful change in the region.
Leading the reconstituted Governing Council is Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, who will steer a diverse team of experts and community representatives. The council includes Loanyie Barituka Victor (environmental NGOs), Bright Onyebuchi Jacob and Henry Obiabure (Niger Delta communities), Prof. Barinedum Nwibere and Baride Gwezia (Ogoni community), and Gideon Onyebuwa and Dr. Ibikunle Omotehinse (oil-producing states). Four alternate members—Dr. Abraham Olungwe, Maeba Ekpobari, Joseph Akedesuo, and Beauty Warejuowei—will provide additional representation for Ogoniland and the Niger Delta.
The HYPREP Board of Trustees also sees a shakeup, with Emmanuel Deeyah reappointed as chairman. Joining him are Fred Igwe and Dr. Fred Kpakol (Ogoni communities), Mrs. Dorcas Amos (Niger Delta communities), and Chief Jide Damazio (environmental NGOs), ensuring a broad spectrum of voices in the project’s leadership.
This overhaul follows a pivotal January meeting where President Tinubu engaged key stakeholders, including now-suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and Ogoni leaders, alongside top officials like Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The discussions addressed both the cleanup initiative and political tensions in Rivers State.
International support for HYPREP remains strong. In March, Belgium’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, and mangrove expert Prof. Olof Linden reaffirmed their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup, focusing on environmental and socio-economic challenges. The United Nations, through Resident Coordinator Mohamed Fall, also pledged technical assistance in mangrove restoration, climate change mitigation, clean water access, public health, and peacebuilding—aligning HYPREP’s mission with global environmental and human rights goals.
