According to the recent report, the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Dr. Mike Nwielaghi as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). The group cited Nwielaghi’s outstanding performance as a reason for his return, noting that his leadership successfully drove the Renewed Hope Agenda in Ogoniland.
The report has it that the previous Board of Trustees, under Dr. Nwielaghi, delivered remarkable results in line with the President’s mandate. In a statement by OYDI President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group noted that the Ogoni people were satisfied with their work and had previously urged for the board’s re-appointment to ensure continuity.
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It is asserted that the youths’ concern stems from what they describe as persistent political interference that undermines genuine developmental efforts. OYDI insisted that for the cleanup targets to be achieved, appointments must be based on competence and integrity, not political patronage.
The group also faulted the recent announcement naming Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah as the new BoT Chairman. OYDI’s letter explained that the appointment cannot be described as a ‘re-appointment’ because Deeyah has never held the position. The group concluded that HYPREP, at this critical stage, requires leaders who are tested, trusted, and deeply knowledgeable about the remediation process.
