We provide Instant breaking news alerts and information about the day's most talked-about stories around Nigeria, Africa and the world trending news.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has praised the announcement of Chima Williams, a well-known environmental campaigner, as one of the six winners of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2022.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, made this known in his congratulations letter to the environmental activist, according to a statement issued by Mrs Obiageli Onuorah, Deputy Director/Head Communications and Advocacy on Sunday.
As a result of his leadership in supporting environmental justice in the Niger Delta, Williams, a lawyer and founding member of NEITI’s Civil Society Steering Committee was awarded the Prize for Africa.
This was accomplished through his legal battles for the Ogoni land cleanup, which benefited three communities in the Niger Delta.
Related Posts
He assisted the Oruma, Goi, and Ikot Ada Udo communities in Ogoni land, Bayelsa State, in winning a 13-year-old action against Shell in The Hague for oil spills and environmental damages.
In 2005, he was also a member of the legal team that successfully prosecuted a case against gas flaring in the Iwherekan community of Delta State.
Orji described William’s win as a “Victory for environmental justice to oil, gas and mining host communities in Nigeria.
“It is also an encouraging development to NEITI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of civic space in tackling environmental degradation in Nigeria which is in line with EITI standards.”
