PRINCE ISRAEL OREKHA: LEADING THE CHARGE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR
In the heart of the oil-rich but environmentally devastated South-South region of Nigeria, there emerges a beacon of hope and activism: Prince Israel Orekha. A passionate environmental activist and community organizer, Prince Israel has dedicated his life to the cause of environmental justice, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development in his homeland.
Born and raised amidst the lush yet fragile ecosystem of the Niger Delta, Prince Israel witnessed firsthand the destructive impact of decades of oil exploitation and environmental neglect. Determined to make a difference, he embarked on a journey of education and advocacy that would shape his life’s work.
Prince Israel’s educational journey took him from the halls of the National Open University of Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a major in environmental resource management and care, to the prestigious University of Cambridge, where he earned a Cambridge International Diploma in IT Skills. His academic pursuits were further enriched by a Master of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy from the James Lind Institute, and a Certificate in Environmental Governance from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Armed with knowledge and a burning passion for change, Prince Israel founded the Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative (CAEYDI), a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized communities in the Niger Delta. Through CAEYDI, Prince Israel spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience, promoting sustainable development practices, and advocating for environmental justice.
One of Prince Israel’s notable achievements was his role in advocating for the passage of the age reduction bill in the South-South region of Nigeria, a landmark legislation that opened up opportunities for youth participation in governance and decision-making processes. His work in climate advocacy and community mobilization has earned him special recognition both locally and internationally.
Prior to founding CAEYDI, Prince Israel served as the Executive Director of Helping Lives International, where he played a pivotal role in implementing projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable populations. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in the organization’s success in transforming the lives of countless individuals across Nigeria.
At the core of Prince Israel’s activism is a deep commitment to empowering communities to become agents of change in their own right. Through capacity-building initiatives, participatory approaches, and grassroots organizing, he has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation and social injustice.
As Nigeria and the world at large grapple with the urgent challenges of climate change and sustainable development, Prince Israel Orekha stands as a shining example of leadership and activism. With unwavering determination and a vision for a better future, he continues to inspire hope and drive positive change in the fight for environmental justice and human rights.
