Standing Up for Humanity is Standing Up for Nature: The Unconditional Love of Elder AkpoBari Celestine
Introduction:
In our collective struggle to demand better care for the earth and the human race, the daunting challenges in the way of our success kick hundreds of activists out of the race every year. However, some passionate activists have managed to stay stout-hearted in the face of these challenges for years; we’re talking decades, scores, and generations.
Elder AkpoBari Celestine stands out as a steadfast champion of human rights and the environment, with a remarkable track record spanning over two decades. Leading as the National Coordinator of the Ogoni Solidarity Forum, he has dedicated himself to extensive endeavors within the Niger Delta region. His advocacy resonates deeply, addressing both human well-being and environmental prosperity as interconnected pillars.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to the environment and the betterment of humanity, Elder Celestine’s efforts exemplify a selfless dedication and emphasizes that this profound passion for people and the environment serves as a driving force, steering and anchoring us as we navigate the collective challenges posed by the climate crisis.
In The Beginning, There Was a Burden
At an early age, Elder Celestine began to work on an oil plantation to support his family. He felt troubled by the unjust working situation of the casual workers on the plantation, compared to the management staff who lived in luxury even when they did the least of the work.
“It was so bad that those casual staff could not
access medical facilities when they fell sick.”
This burden placed in his heart pushed him to become the chairman of their association and joined the Nigerian Labour Congress, a move that would mark the beginning of his enduring journey in fighting for the earth and the people of Ogoni Land.
Ken Saro Wiwa — The Push That Poured Out More Love:
After the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa in 1995, frightened Celestine relocated to PortHarcourt, where he joined the Mainstream Civil Society Network. He also began to volunteer for Environmental Rights Action (ERA) and joined the Ogoni Society Forum to continue the struggle of Late Ken Saro Wiwa.
In the aftermath of a significant and dishearteningexecution of Ken Saro Wiwa, Elder Celestine chose not to retreat but to forge ahead by aligning himself with these organizations. Instead of succumbing to fear, he found inspiration to intensify his efforts fueled by an unyielding and altruistic fervor, he and his team effectively halted oil exploration in Ogoniland for 27 years.
Negative Emotions Felt During Your Career
It’s overwhelming seeing people being nonchalant about the same environment we’re fighting for. It gets so bad that you begin to question yourself as he did at some point in his career. He asked himself questions he could not find answers to, and at some point, he became estranged from the people he loved.
I began to ask myself, who sent me message?
To make matters worse, the subjects of his struggle started to doubt him. It takes something as insignificant as a doubt to upend a very honest work. Elder Celestine stood his ground, even in the face of doubts and little reparations for his efforts. Now he laughs about the years when they held meetings under a tree shade because of resouces.
Unconditional Love is the Best Fuel for Activism
With a proud smile, Elder Celestine reaffirms his unwavering dedication to the cause has been fueled by selfless love from the very beginning. He reflects on the current trend of some activists seeking personal gain and offers prudent counsel against such motivations, recollecting his own journey that he has never been spurred by any incentive or competition to do the work that he does.
Elder AkpoBari Celestine’s enduring commitment to human rights and the environment shines as a testament to unwavering activism. For decades, he has championed the cause as the National Coordinator of the Ogoni Solidarity Forum, embodying selfless dedication. Guided by the profound power of love, he stands firm against challenges, reminding us that genuine passion fuels lasting change.