Renowned environmentalist and Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has called for urgent action to restore ecological balance and defend the environment against exploitative practices. 

Speaking at HOMEF’s School of Ecology on Ecological Justice and Resilience held in Benin City, Bassey emphasized the interconnectedness of life and the devastating impacts of environmental degradation.

"The environment is not just our surroundings; it is a complex web of life that sustains us physically, culturally, and spiritually," he stated. "When one part of the ecosystem is destroyed, it affects the entire system. This is why we must rethink our relationship with nature and prioritize conservation."

Dr. Bassey highlighted how traditional African societies practiced environmental protection through communal living, solidarity economies, and indigenous conservation methods. 

He lamented the rise of exploitative systems driven by profit, which have led to deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The environmental advocate criticized colonial-era policies that permitted pollution within so-called "acceptable thresholds," arguing that such concepts serve the interests of polluters rather than protecting communities. 

"The idea that pollution is permissible up to a certain level has been weaponized to justify environmental destruction. We see this in the Niger Delta, where oil spills and gas flaring have devastated ecosystems and livelihoods," he noted.

Dr. Bassey also drew attention to the threats faced by endangered species due to habitat destruction. He cited the case of migratory monarch butterflies and sea turtles that return to specific nesting sites, only to find these areas rendered uninhabitable by human activities.

Calling for a revival of African environmentalism, he urged policymakers and citizens alike to embrace cultural and political action to protect nature. "The future is in our roots," he declared. "We must resist the destruction of our environment and build a society based on ecological justice and resilience."

The School of Ecology event, which ran from March 24-28, brought together activists, scholars, and community leaders to discuss sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. HOMEF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize ecological balance and empower local communities to protect their environment.