By Tina Chinyere- Port Harcourt
The Right Livelihood Foundation has announced the appointment of Nigerian environmentalist and 2010 Right Livelihood Award Laureate, Nnimmo Bassey, to its Board of Directors. His four-year term, which began on October 1, 2025, marks another milestone in his lifelong pursuit of environmental justice and sustainability, particularly in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
In a statement, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), where Bassey serves as Executive Director, described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his relentless advocacy for the protection of the environment and social equity.
“His inclusion on the Board affirms the global appreciation of his work and offers him an opportunity to contribute further to advancing the Foundation’s mission—supporting Laureates and communities working toward a just and sustainable world,” HOMEF said.
An architect, poet, and leading voice in Africa’s environmental movement, Bassey is celebrated for his leadership in championing climate justice and grassroots ecological initiatives. Through HOMEF, he has promoted policies and actions that defend the rights of people and nature, both in Nigeria and across the continent.
Beyond HOMEF, Bassey serves on the boards of several international organisations, including the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Oil Change International, and Oilwatch International. He previously chaired Friends of the Earth International (2008–2012) and co-chaired the Global Greengrants Fund, which supports community-based environmental efforts worldwide. He also sits on the Advisory Board of Stop Ecocide International, a movement advocating for ecocide to be recognised as an international crime.
Congratulating him on the appointment, Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, lauded Bassey’s commitment and global influence:
“This honour reflects your enduring passion for environmental justice and your outstanding leadership at HOMEF. Your voice continues to inspire global action for a fairer, greener, and more sustainable future.”
Responding to the announcement, Bassey expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his belief in people-powered change:
“Being part of the Right Livelihood family has reinforced my faith in humanity’s ability to stand for what is right, even in challenging times.”
Since receiving the Right Livelihood Award in 2010, Bassey has remained an active member of the Laureate community and previously served on the Foundation’s Jury. HOMEF expressed confidence that his new role on the Board will strengthen the Foundation’s global efforts to promote ecological balance, support changemakers, and hold polluters accountable.
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