The Right Livelihood Foundation has announced the appointment of Nigerian environmentalist and 2010 Right Livelihood Award Laureate, Nnimmo Bassey, to its Board of Directors. Bassey’s four-year term began on October 1, 2025, marking another milestone in his long-standing commitment to environmental justice and sustainability in the Niger Delta.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), where Bassey serves as Executive Director, described his appointment as a recognition of his tireless advocacy for environmental protection and social justice.
“His presence on the Board is a mark of recognition for the important work he does. It will provide him with a platform to contribute to upholding the Foundation’s values and supporting Laureates in their vital work toward a more just and sustainable world,” the organisation said in a statement
Bassey, an architect, poet, and environmental activist, is renowned for his leadership in advancing climate justice and community-driven ecological solutions. Through HOMEF, he has championed policies promoting sustainability and environmental rights across Africa.
He also serves on the boards of several international organisations, including the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Oil Change International, and Oilwatch International.
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Previously, Bassey chaired Friends of the Earth International from 2008 to 2012 and co-chaired Global Greengrants Fund, which supports grassroots environmental initiatives worldwide. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Stop Ecocide International, which campaigns to make ecocide a recognised crime under international law.
Congratulating Bassey, Joyce Brown, Director of Programs at HOMEF, praised his unwavering dedication:
“This prestigious recognition reflects your commitment to environmental justice and sustainability and your leadership at HOMEF. Your work has inspired many, and we believe your contributions to the Right Livelihood Board will strengthen global efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable future.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Bassey said: “Being part of the Right Livelihood family has strengthened my belief in the power of people to stand up for what is right, even when things look bleak.”
Since receiving the Right Livelihood Award in 2010, Bassey has remained active in the Laureate community and served on the Foundation’s Jury. HOMEF expressed confidence that his role on the Board will enhance the Foundation’s strategic efforts to support courageous changemakers, promote ecological justice, and hold polluters accountable.
