Acceptance Statement for the Receipt of the Courageous Scientist Award for Environmental and Climate Justice
It is with immense gratitude and profound honour that I accept the the very first Courageous Scientist Award for Environmental and Climate Justice 2025 as the recipient for Africa.
This recognition represents not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and truth in the face of adversity. I am deeply moved by this acknowledgement of our work, and I dedicate this honour to all fellow activists and organisations who continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and risking so much in the name of discovery, solidarity and change.
Courage in science and activism are not just about bold experiments or groundbreaking theories, they’re about perseverance, integrity, and the willingness to ask difficult questions even when answers are elusive or inconvenient. I am inspired daily by my colleagues and predecessors whose unwavering commitment to justice and accountability has paved the way for innovation, courage and change.
As a celebration and recognition shy activist, my initial response to the communication from the organisers was subtle and even grounded in suspicion. This derived from the fact that no submission was made for my consideration for any award or even prior notice of recommendation by any friend, partner or colleague. Further investigation and affirming the profile and intergrity of the organisers moved my response from suspicion to humility and appreciation.
As a mark of deep appreciation of this recognition, I pledge my continued and even redoubled efforts with renewed determination, guided by the values that this award embodies.
The Niger Delta of Nigeria remains the worst polluted area on the surface of the earth. This was not accidental, but the deliberate conspiracy and failure of the state institutions entrusted to protect the environment and its people, the insensitivity of the oil multinational operators, the insincerity of the oil companies’ host countries, and deliberate disempowerment of the citizens.
May this recognition encourage others to remain steadfast and brave in their accountability, environmental justice and good governance endeavours
My profound gratitude goes to the selection committee, my mentors, collaborators, colleagues, partners, family and all those who have supported my journey. Together, let us continue to make discoveries that improve our world.
Olanrewaju Suraju
Awardee, CSAECJ 2025
