PRINCE ISRAEL OREKHA: A CHAMPION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

In the realm of environmental advocacy, there are few voices as resolute and impactful as that of Prince Israel Orekha. Hailing from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, Prince Orekha has dedicated over eight years of his life to empowering marginalized communities and fighting for environmental justice in the face of climate change, energy poverty, and environmental crises.

As a beacon of hope for communities facing the brunt of ecological challenges, Prince Orekha’s journey began with his affiliation with the Non-Governmental Organization ‘Connected Advocacy.’ Through this platform, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at bolstering community resilience and amplifying their voices on the global stage. His efforts were not confined to local spheres; Prince Orekha made his mark at prestigious international gatherings such as the Conference of the Parties (COPs) and Africa Climate Summit, where he championed the cause of climate justice.

One of his notable contributions was during the fifty-eighth session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Germany, where he eloquently represented the concerns and aspirations of his community. His advocacy transcended geographical boundaries, as evidenced by his active participation in COP 26 in Glasgow, where he provided invaluable insights into environmental justice issues.

Prince Orekha’s commitment to raising awareness on climate issues is exemplified by his role as the editor of ‘The Fix Climate Crisis Now: The Story from Africa.’ Furthermore, his stint as a consultant for the John Hopkins Center for Communication Program underscores his dedication to driving tangible action on environmental fronts.

Beyond environmental concerns, Prince Orekha has been a vocal supporter of governance and human rights issues. His involvement in advocating for the age reduction bill in South-South Nigeria highlights his multifaceted approach to effecting positive change in society.

In recognition of his exemplary service, Prince Orekha has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Social Impact Award and the Young Africa Leadership Initiative – Edo Community Development Award. His academic pursuits, including a BA (Ed.) in Early Childhood Education with a focus on environmental resource management and care, further augment his expertise in the field.

Prince Orekha’s research focus on ‘The Global Politics of Deep Decarbonization and Community Participation in Environmental Governance’ reflects his dedication to fostering sustainable solutions on a global scale. He is actively involved in promoting Netzero initiatives in Nigeria, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to grassroots action for achieving REAL NetZero in local communities.

In addition to his illustrious career, Prince Orekha has served as a Supervisor for International Social Work Practice Placement at Mid Sweden University, where he facilitated cultural exchange and international social work programs in Africa.

As a co-convener of the Africa-Europe International Forum for Sustaining Democracy & Human Rights, Prince Orekha continues to be a beacon of hope, inspiring change-makers worldwide to join hands in the fight for a sustainable future.

In the annals of environmental advocacy, Prince Israel Orekha’s legacy will undoubtedly endure as a testament to the power of determination, compassion, and unwavering commitment to creating a better world for generations to come.