By Olatunji Buhari
The Executive Director of Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) Chima Williams has dedicated his Goldman Prize award to the late Oronto Natei Douglas, environmental human right lawyer and former deputy director of ERA/FoEN.
Williams was named along six other recipients of the prestigious award on Thursday, May 25, 2022.
Speaking during a Civil Society Roundtable on International Oil Companies(IOCs) Divestment from the Niger Delta organized by ERA/FoEN in Benin city, Williams said the late Oronto Douglas was one of his mentors in the environmental justice struggles in the Niger Delta.
He dedicated the award to Douglas for laying the foundation for his interest in environmental justice and defending the rights of the communities.
The ERA/FoEN boss also paid tribute to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa who was also a recipient of the same award in 1995 as well as Nnimmo Bassey, director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation(HOMEF) for their individual efforts in ensuring a better environment in Niger Delta.
The Goldman Environmental Prize honors the achievement and leadership of grassroots environmental activists from around the world . The Prize recognizes individuals for their sustained significant efforts in protecting the environment.
With this award, Williams becomes the third Nigerian to have received the highest environmental Prize.
