The worsening environmental crisis in Nigeria has come under renewed scrutiny, with the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) calling for a national coalition of government, civil society organisations, researchers and citizens to halt the accelerating degradation of the country’s environment.
The call came as EDEN unveiled its state of the Nigerian environment report and posthumously inducted three prominent Nigerians: Professor Festus Iyayi, Comrade Oronto Douglas and Comrade Jonathan Ihonde, into its Hall of Fame for their contributions to environmental justice, social activism and national development.
Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, said the report was conceived as a wholly Nigerian effort to document the state of the nation’s environment and stimulate informed action against the threats confronting communities across the country.
Williams, who described the occasion as one of his happiest days, said the initiative was driven by the need to preserve the legacies of environmental defenders while equipping a new generation with the knowledge and courage required in confront environmental injustice.
He disclosed that the report was personally funded with support from colleagues in EDEN.
He urged government institutions, civil society groups, academics, researchers and environmental stakeholders to scrutinise the report, provide additional data and collaborate towards producing a comprehensive, objective, and regularly updated national environmental record.
‘Our environment is our life. If we protect our environment, it will protect us,’ Williams said, warning that environmental degradation was no longer an isolated ecological problem but a threat to the survival, health and future of Nigerians.
Douglas was honoured for his pioneering role in environmental justice litigation and his contribution to the development of environmental advocacy in Nigeria, including mentoring young activists and supporting student-led environmental initiatives.
Iyayi, renowned academic, writer, social critic and former ASUU president, was recognised for his lifelong commitment to social justice, intellectual freedom and activism, as well as his mentorship of generations of students and young Nigerians, particularly at the University of Benin.
Ihonde, described as a ‘silent operator’, was honoured for his contributions to the labour movement, politics, theatre, education and public life, with EDEN acknowledging his enduring influence on activists, intellectuals and performers.
Williams said the recognition of the three late Nigerians was intended to ensure that their contributions will not be forgotten, urging younger activists to draw inspiration from their courage, sacrifice and commitment to justice.
He further challenged Nigerians to move beyond condemnation of environmental degradation and embrace collective responsibility for protecting forests, waterways, communities and other natural resources.
The Oronto Douglas award was received by Williams on behalf of the Douglas family with the authorisation of his wife, Mrs Tari Oronto Douglas; Mrs Grace Iyayi received the award on behalf of Professor Iyayi, while Mary Ihonde, granddaughter of Jonathan Ihonde, received the honour on behalf of the Ihonde family.