By Israel Adebiyi
A renewed movement for climate and ecological justice is gaining momentum as young activists from across the Niger Delta have been empowered to take up the cause following an intensive five-day School of Ecology organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).
The program, held in Benin City, brought together environmental advocates, scholars, and community leaders to examine the pressing ecological challenges affecting both local communities and the global environment.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on Political Ecology, Climate Justice, Extractivism and Earth Defenders, Culture, Communication and Resoure Democracy.
In his keynote address, HOMEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, underscored the importance of African environmentalism rooted in the philosophy of Eti-Uwem, a concept that promotes the idea of a “good life” based on harmony with nature and a deep sense of communal responsibility.
"We must move away from the destructive mindset that prioritizes profits over people and the environment. Eti-Uwem calls for a world where we live in peace with our neighbors, including the rivers, forests, and all life forms that make up the web of existence," Dr. Bassey stated. "The Niger Delta, like many other regions, has suffered from extractive industries that pollute our lands and waters. If we do not act now, we risk losing the very essence of our communities."
Other speakers at the event, including Babawale Obayanju, echoed the need for solidarity in the fight for environmental justice. He stressed the urgency of uniting common struggles against ecological destruction and exploitation.
"Our struggles are interconnected. Whether it's deforestation in Cross River, oil pollution in the Niger Delta, or the encroachment of corporate agribusiness on indigenous lands, we are fighting a common enemy—systems that prioritize profit over the health of people and the planet," Obayanju said.
The interactive sessions at the School of Ecology provided participants with the tools to analyze key environmental issues, recognize structural injustices, and develop actionable solutions. They were encouraged to advocate for policies that promote sustainable environmental practices, resist harmful industrial activities, and amplify the voices of marginalized communities suffering from environmental degradation.
Many attendees described the sessions as transformative. Praise Onu, a youth activist from Rivers State, noted that the program had reshaped her understanding of activism. "I used to think environmental justice was just about planting trees and cleaning up waste. But now, I see it's about fighting for systemic change, challenging corporations and governments to put people over profits," she said.
Similarly, Ifiok Umoten, another participant, highlighted the need for grassroots engagement in environmental advocacy. "Communities facing pollution and land grabs need to be at the forefront of this fight. The voices of fishermen, farmers, and indigenous peoples should lead the conversation on climate justice," he remarked.
The School of Ecology is part of HOMEF’s broader initiative to build a network of informed and proactive individuals who can champion environmental sustainability and justice in Nigeria and beyond. Through workshops, field visits, and knowledge-sharing sessions, the program equips young activists with the necessary skills to drive meaningful change in their communities.
As the program concluded, participants committed to spreading the message of ecological justice in their respective states, marking a new phase in grassroots environmental activism in the region. With the continued expansion of initiatives like the School of Ecology, HOMEF remains steadfast in its mission to mobilize a generation of eco-defenders who will challenge environmental injustice and fight for a future where nature and humanity thrive together.