Goldman Award: Environmentalist advocates intensified activism for environmental justice

Dr Nnimmo Bassey, a renowned environmentalist, has called for intensified activism with the aim of achieving environmental justice.

This is contained in a statement issued to the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Miss Kome Odmohor, Media/Communication head, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), on Wednesday at Yenagoa.

Bassey made the call following the Goldman Environmental Award to Mr Williams Chima, a Nigerian environmental rights crusader.

She noted that the award should inspire more activists to stand up for the environment.

Bassey, who is a Director at Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), noted that the world is at crossroads with multiple crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss amongst others.

She said more activists should rise up in raising new generations of environmental activist’s to secure a safe future for Nigerians and Africans at large considering the growing destructive activities going on in the countries.

The director expressed great excitement over the award to Chima for his legal services for environmental justice.

Bassey said the award could not have come at a better time for the struggle for environmental Justice.

She said the award calls attention to the fact that changes can be propelled by grassroots.

“Chima has clearly illustrated this in his many years of dogged and selfless struggles,’’ Bassey said.

According to her, the Goldman Environmental Prize won by Chima shines a light on the serious harms that have been inflicted on the environment and the right of the people to stand for justice.

The environmentalist recalled that the prize has been awarded to deserving individuals and groups since it began in 1989.

NAN reports that Chima recently won the 2022 Goldman Environmental Prize that honours the achievements and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world.

The prize recognises individuals for their sustained significance in protecting the environment.

It is also given to recognized individual and leaders from different continents who seek to inspire other ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to protect the natural world.

NAN also reports that Chima is the third Nigerian to receive the award for the African continent after the late Ken Saro-Wiwa who received it in 1995 and Odigha Odigha in 2003.