Date of Birth
11 June 1958
Place of Birth:
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Profession
Feminist Activist
Nationality:
Zodiac Sign:
Age:
ABOUT
Nnimmo Bassey (born on June 11, 1958) is a renowned Nigerian architect, environmental activist, author, and poet. He chaired Friends of the Earth International from 2008 to 2012 and served as the executive director of Environmental Rights Action for two decades. Recognized for his environmental advocacy, Bassey was honored as one of Time magazine’s Heroes of the Environment in 2009. His contributions earned him the Right Livelihood Award laureate in 2010 and the Rafto Prize in 2012. In 2019, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of York, England. Bassey currently directs the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, an environmental think tank and advocacy organization, while also serving on its advisory board.
BEFORE FAME
Nnimmo Bassey is a Nigerian architect who switched to advocating for environmental and human rights issues. He co-founded the Nigerian NGO Environmental Rights Action in 1993, focusing on environmental human rights in Nigeria. Bassey has been instrumental in leading Oil watch Africa since 1996 and the Global South Network, Oil watch International, since 2006. These organizations mobilize communities against fossil fuel extraction and advocate for environmental protection.
Bassey’s work extends globally, with memberships in Oil watch International and Oil watch Africa spanning multiple continents. In 2011, he established the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, promoting environmental climate justice and food sovereignty in Nigeria and Africa. Despite his accreditation, Bassey was physically prevented from attending a meeting at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
CAREER
From 2008 to 2012, Nnimmo Bassey led Friends of the Earth International and served as the executive director of Environmental Rights Action for two decades. Currently, he directs the Health of Mother Earth Foundation. Bassey is also an accomplished author, with notable works including “To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and the Climate Crisis in Africa” and a collection of poetry titled “Patriots & Cockroaches.” Other books authored by Bassey cover a range of topics including architecture, environmental activism, and societal challenges. Furthermore, he worked in the public service for nine years, 10 months and resigned thereafter.
FAMILY LIFE
Nnimmo Bassey’s wife Evelyn, whom he met during their student years, often coincided with him during vacation jobs at the same architectural office. Several years after graduating, they found themselves working together again, this time at the University of Benin in Edo State. They worked as colleagues for approximately three years before their relationship deepened. Now they have been married for 34 years and among their children are Daramfon, Ukpono and Otoabasi who is brand strategist, graphic designer and writer. Nnimmo Bassey’s birthday date is 11th June.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Nnimmo Bassey has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for his environmental activism and advocacy. In 2009, he was named a Hero of the Environment by Time Magazine. In 2010, Bassey was honored as a Laureate of the Right Livelihood Award, and in 2012, he received the Rafto Prize for his outstanding contributions to human rights and environmental justice. Additionally, Bassey was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of York, UK, in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the field.
Nnimmo Bassey Networth
The Nnimmo Bassey’s net worth is more than 150 million Naira estimated from the landed properties, cars and other financial investments he has acquired over the years. He earned his financial networth from his environmental activism and advocacy work, rather than for personal wealth accumulation.