Iyayi, Oronto Douglas, Ihonde Bag Posthumous Environmental Honours

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

EDO, BENIN – Three prominent Nigerians Professor Festus Iyayi, Comrade Oronto Douglas and Comrade Jonathan Ihonde have been honoured posthumously for their significant contributions to environmental justice, social activism and national development.

The trio were recognised by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) during the presentation of its State of the Nigerian Environment Report, aimed at drawing attention to Nigeria’s environmental challenges and encouraging collective action.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams described the occasion as one of his happiest days, saying it fulfilled his long-standing ambition to promote environmental protection while honouring those who paved the way for younger activists.

He said the report was a wholly Nigerian initiative, funded personally with support from colleagues in the Environmental Defenders Network.

“The State of the Nigerian Environment Report is an original and completely Nigerian initiative. We didn’t get funded from anybody to do this report.”

Williams urged civil society organisations, government institutions, researchers and other stakeholders to study the report, contribute additional information and work towards producing a more comprehensive, objective and regularly updated national environmental compendium.

“Our environment is our life. If we protect our environment, it will protect us,” he said, warning that environmental degradation poses a threat to everyone.

Honouring environmental pioneers,
the event also celebrated the legacies of the three honourees, who were named the first inductees into the Environmental Defenders Network Hall of Fame.

Oronto Douglas was remembered as a mentor and pioneer of environmental justice litigation in Nigeria.

His influence also extended to student environmental activism, where he provided guidance and contributed to the development of early environmental advocacy initiatives.

Professor Festus Iyayi was honoured for his influence as an academic, writer and social critic.

His literary works and commitment to social justice inspired young activists, particularly at the University of Benin, where he played a significant mentoring role.

Comrade Jonathan Ihonde was described as a “silent operator,” political leader, activist and intellectual whose contributions spanned labour activism, theatre, education and public life.

He was also remembered for his role in the development of the Nigerian labour movement and his influence on generations of performers and activists.

He said the posthumous awards were intended to preserve the legacies of the three men and remind younger generations of their contributions to environmental and social justice.

He called on stakeholders to build on their legacies by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise to confront Nigeria’s environmental challenges.

He further called on Nigerians to show commitment to protecting the environment, stressing that while the honourees had laid important foundations, the responsibility of preserving Nigeria’s environment belongs to everyone.