Renowned Nigerian environmentalist, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has been appointed to the Board of the Right Livelihood Foundation, a Sweden-based global organization that honors and supports courageous individuals and groups driving social change and environmental justice.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Miss Kome Odhomor, Media and Communications Lead at the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).
According to Odhomor, the Foundation—known for its global recognition of changemakers, particularly from the Global South—recently welcomed Bassey, who won its prestigious Right Livelihood Award in 2010, to serve on its board for a four-year term.
“Bassey will serve a four-year term, bringing his passion and experience to the organisation’s mission of driving positive change. Health of Mother Earth Foundation is deeply honoured to have its Director join the Right Livelihood Board,” Odhomor said.
She added that the appointment was a recognition of Bassey’s lifelong dedication to environmental protection and social justice.
“His presence on the board offers him a platform to help uphold the Foundation’s values and support laureates in their vital work to create a more just and sustainable world,” she added.
Bassey, who holds a National Honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), currently serves as Director of HOMEF and sits on the boards of several international organizations, 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), the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, and co-chaired the Global Greengrants Fund, which supports community-led environmental initiatives worldwide. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Stop Ecocide International, which advocates for the recognition of ecocide as an international crime.
In her reaction, Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, lauded the appointment, describing it as a testament to Bassey’s leadership and impact.
“This prestigious recognition reflects your dedication to environmental justice and sustainability and your leadership at HOMEF. Bassey’s work has inspired many, and we believe his contributions to the Right Livelihood Board will greatly enhance global efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable future,” Brown said.
She added that the appointment “celebrates grassroots advocacy and systemic change” and expressed confidence that Bassey’s inclusion will strengthen the Foundation’s mission of supporting courageous visionaries addressing social and ecological injustices around the world.
