President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member, as the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), She succeeds Dr Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure was dogged by controversy.
Tinubu appointed Mohammed Musa as the Commission’s secretary while retaining Kayode Oladele from Ogun as commissioner.
Oladele, a former House of Representatives member, was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024. He served as the Commission’s acting chairman.
The President renewed the appointments of Lawal Ya’u Roni, Abubakar Atiku Bunu, and Eludayo Eluyemi, who represent Jigawa, Kebbi, and Osun States, for a second term. The President also reappointed Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla, the commissioner from Lagos State.
According to the release, “The newly appointed Commissioners are: Hon. Obina Oriaku, Abia Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi, Adamawa Obongawan Dora Ebong, Akwa–Ibom Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria, Anambra Babangida Adamu Gwana, Bauchi Sir Tonye Okio, Bayelsa Aligba Eugene Tarkende, Benue Engr.Modu Mustapha, Borno Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo, Cross River Ederin Lovette Idisi, Delta Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka, Ebonyi Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror, Edo Hon. Sola Fokanle, Ekiti Peter Eze, Enugu Ibrahim Baba Mairiga, Gombe Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, Imo Ruth Jumai Ango, Kaduna Muhammad Awwal Nayya, Kano Hon. Anas Isah, Katsina Bello Idris Eneye, Kogi Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, Kwara Alh. Isah Jibrin, Niger Comrade Ajimudu Bola, Ondo Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye, Oyo Hon. Pam Bolman, Plateau Aaron Chukwuemeka, Rivers Alh. Aminu Tambar, Sokoto Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, Taraba Hon. Jibir Maigari, Yobe Sani Garba, Zamfara Solomon Ayuba Dagami, FCT.”
In another development, Tinubu approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, serving as Chairman of the Council.
Balarabe Abbas Lawal
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 Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia are the representatives of the Ogoni Community on the new Council.
The nine oil-producing states have two representatives on the Council: Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse.
There are four alternative members of the Council, representing Ogoniland and the Niger Delta: Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe, who was reappointed and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari are the alternate members of the Council representing Ogoniland. Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei represent the Niger Delta.
President Tinubu also reconstituted the HYREP Board of Trustees, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed chairman.
Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr Fred Barivule Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board. Mrs Dorcas Amos represents the other Niger Delta communities, while Chief Jide Damazio, who was reappointed, represents the NGOs dealing with environmental issues.
