Renowned environmentalist Dr Nnimmo Bassey has joined the board of Sweden based Right Livelihood Foundation, a global organisation dedicated to awarding laurels for courageous action for social change.

The foundation is committed to advancing social justice and environmental causes, especially highlighting change-makers from the Global South.

The appointment of Bassey a 2010 recipient of the foundation’s laurel is contained in a statement by Miss Kome Odhomor, Media/Communications Lead at Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Wednesday,

“The Right Livelihood Foundation has just welcomed Nnimmo Bassey, a true champion of environmental justice and recipient of the 2010 Right Livelihood Award, to its Board.

“Starting October 1, 2025, 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 (HOMEF) is deeply honoured to have its Director join the Right Livelihood Board. His presence on the board is a mark of recognition for the important work he does.

“It will offer him a space to contribute to upholding the Foundation’s values and supporting Laureates in their vital work to create a more just and sustainable world.

“Bassey’s dedication to environmental protection is evident through his leadership of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a respected Nigerian think tank that advocates for sustainable policies and climate justice.

“Bassey serves on the board of several international organisations, including the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, Oil Change International and Oilwatch International,” HOMEF stated.

Bassey who holds a National honour of Member of Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) has served as Chair of Friends of the Earth International (2008-2012), the largest grassroots network, and he co-Chaired Global Greengrants, empowering environmental efforts at the grassroots level across the world.

He Is also a member of the advisory board of Stop Ecocide International, a body that pushes for ecocide to be recognised as a crime on the world stage.

The statement quoted Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF as applauding the appointment.

“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 help global efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

“This achievement celebrates grassroots advocacy and systemic change. We are proud of you and look forward to his positive impact in this new role.”

Since receiving the Right Livelihood Award in 2010, Bassey has actively participated in the Laureate community and served on the Right Livelihood Jury.

He reflects: "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.”

HOMEF noted that it believes that Bassey’s presence on the Board will further the strategic work of the Foundation in providing support and visibility to visionary people of courage, addressing social and ecological crimes, and holding those causing the harm accountable.