Celebrated environmentalist and human rights advocate, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has been appointed to the board of the Sweden-based Right Livelihood Foundation, a global organisation that recognises and supports individuals taking bold action for social and environmental justice.
The foundation, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” focuses on promoting peace, equity, and sustainability, while amplifying the voices of changemakers, especially from the Global South.
Bassey’s appointment, announced in a statement by Miss Kome Odhomor, Media and Communications Lead at the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), marks another milestone in his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy.
According to the statement, the Right Livelihood Foundation welcomed Bassey—a 2010 laureate of the award—to its board for a four-year term, where he is expected to bring his vast experience and passion for environmental justice to the organisation’s global mission.
Odhomor noted that HOMEF is honoured to have its Director join the board, describing the appointment as a recognition of his tireless efforts in advancing grassroots environmental movements across Africa and beyond.
“Dr. Bassey’s presence on the board will strengthen the foundation’s mission of supporting courageous individuals working toward a more just and sustainable world,” she said.
Bassey, who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), currently serves on several international boards, including the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Oil Change International, and Oilwatch International.
He is also a former Chair of Friends of the Earth International (2008–2012) and Co-Chair of the Global Greengrants Fund, both of which champion environmental protection and grassroots empowerment worldwide.
In her remarks, Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, praised the appointment as a testament to Bassey’s lifelong dedication to sustainability and justice.
“This recognition reflects his exceptional leadership and continued drive for environmental integrity. We are confident that his contributions will enrich the foundation’s work in building a fairer and more sustainable planet,” Brown said.
Bassey’s appointment underscores his global influence as a voice for environmental stewardship and social transformation, reinforcing Nigeria’s presence in the movement for a greener and more equitable world.