Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Wallenberg Medal for his humanitarian contributions.
Bassey, the first Nigerian and fifth African recipient of the award, joins the esteemed ranks of past honorees such as South Africa’s Helen Suzman, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rwanda’s Paul Rusesabagina, and Congo’s Denis Mukwege. The award ceremony took place on September 10, 2024, at the Ross School of Business Robertson Auditorium, University of Michigan.
Named after Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during World War II, the Wallenberg Medal honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to humanitarian causes. Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Urban Ahlin, and other distinguished guests, including Professor Sioban Harlow and Professor Laurie McCauley, praised Wallenberg’s legacy and encouraged attendees to dedicate themselves to humanitarian efforts.
In his acceptance speech titled “We Are Relatives,” Dr. Bassey emphasized the principles of love, humility, dignity, and respect as fundamental to achieving a sustainable future. He highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of crises rather than just treating their symptoms.
Bassey criticized the mindset that perpetuates inequalities and environmental degradation, advocating for a shift towards community-oriented values and resistance against environmental racism. He stressed the need for deep, systemic change to tackle the polycrisis facing the world, including environmental and social injustices.
Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, praised Bassey’s exceptional work and global recognition, noting that his achievements underscore the significance of HOMEF’s mission and the role of cultural tools, like poetry, in promoting healing and resistance.
Dr. Bassey’s contributions extend beyond activism to include influential environmental books such as *To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and The Climate Crisis in Africa* and *Oil Politics: Echoes of Ecological War*. His poetry, including *We Thought It Was Oil But It Was Blood*, *I Will Not Dance to Your Beat*, and his latest work, *I See the Invisible*, continues to inspire and mobilize for change.