The Message and Emotions May be Heavy, But I’ll Gladly Carry Them

Introduction:

In our collective struggle to demand better care for the earth and the human race, the fight for environmental justice takes a toll on many warriors. Yet, some passionate activists have managed to remain steadfast in the face of these challenges throughout their lifetime.

Elder Nnimmo Bassey is a household name in Nigeria when you think of environmental activism. He is fondly called the living ancestor by many due to his work. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War as a young man. This experience, coupled with the struggle for human rights after colonialism, and during military rule, instilled in him a burning desire to fight for a better future. 

The First Step was the Innate Desire for Goodwill

Elder Nnimmo’s activism began after witnessing the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War. Fueled by a desire for a better world, he joined the human rights movement. This fight took a specific turn when he observed the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta. Witnessing the suffering of his people and the destruction of their homes and land ignited a new fire within him. Elder Nnimmo embraced this “new struggle” alongside his ongoing fight for human rights, refusing to choose between them.

Driven by this unwavering commitment, He has become a powerful voice for environmental and human justice. He draws inspiration from the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, understanding the dangers of silence in the face of injustice. This has led him to use his voice in various ways: writing poetry, leading protests, raising awareness, and refusing to be silenced by power.

Heavy but Important

The absence and deterioration of planetary resources have hardened his resolve to carry out his duties, a sentiment that remains unchanged even today. He draws inspiration from the writings of Ken Saro Wiwa to underscore the dangers of remaining silent.

Reflecting on the power of art and culture, Elder Nnimmo sees them as potent tools for fostering unity, inspiring hope among the youth, and mobilizing resistance against environmental degradation and ecocide that we witness all around us. Recognising this, Elder Nnimmo employs poetry as a means of awakening consciousness and stands at the forefront of demonstrations, using his voice to challenge both individuals and institutions. He refuses to stay silent in the face of such pressing issues.

Fill Up the Void of Love

His advice for young people is — love. To embrace love and spread love. In the seeming darkness of hopelessness, he reminds the youths to keep hope alive.  He urges young people to embrace these ideals, reminding them that “you can’t sit with arms and legs crossed and wait for hope.” The fight for a better world requires action, not passivity. 

Despite the immense challenges facing Africa in terms of environmental and human rights, Elder Nnimmo believes progress is possible. He calls upon everyone to confront the “void of love” and overcome it fearlessly. By restoring love and hope to our communities, we can collectively overcome both environmental and human injustices.