The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has launched its Ogonize and Yasunize climate justice campaign, calling for urgent global action against environmental destruction and climate injustices.
The campaign was unveiled during a sensitization event held at HOMEF’s office in Benin City, where participants were educated on the dangers of industrial pollution, oil spills, and deforestation — issues that continue to threaten public health, the economy, and the environment.
Speaking at the event, HOMEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, said the initiative aims to challenge climate injustices driven by greed and neglect. He noted that the forthcoming Conference of Parties (COP) meeting, scheduled to take place in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025, will assess global efforts to curb pollution and address the worsening climate crisis.
According to Bassey, the Ogonize and Yasunize campaign draws inspiration from the struggles of the Ogoni people in Nigeria and the Yasuní tribe in Ecuador — both of whom have stood up against environmental degradation in defense of their lands. He added that HOMEF plans to amplify the campaign through social media to celebrate their resilience and inspire collective climate action worldwide.
HOMEF’s Programme Manager, Cadmus Etake-Enade, emphasized the need for full environmental justice in the Niger Delta, calling for greater accountability from oil companies, effective cleanup operations, and stronger environmental protection policies. He stressed that true climate justice must prioritize fairness, community participation, and reparations for affected populations.
The event brought together traditional rulers, government officials, academics, students, and civil society groups to explore solutions to the Niger Delta’s environmental challenges. Participants were encouraged to support and promote the Ogonize and Yasunize campaign as part of a shared commitment to protecting the planet and its natural resources.
