Grace Appolos is the Programs Manager at We the People, an NGO based in the Niger Delta of Nigeria that focuses on human and ecological rights, including issues of oil pollution, environmental degradation, and climate justice. Grace shares her learning journey and what inspires her, along with the important work We the People does in the field of land and environmental justice.
Grace Appolos, We the People
Ken Henshaw, the Executive Director of We the People, was a significant influence on my decision to join the fight for land and environmental justice. I initially connected with him in early 2020 but didn’t fully grasp the importance of the cause at that time. It wasn’t until I officially joined the organization in June 2022 that I understood the depth of the issues. Learning about the injustices faced by indigenous communities in the Niger Delta—such as environmental degradation and the loss of rights to farmland and fishing due to oil pollution—deeply affected me.
As someone from the Niger Delta, these stories resonated with me personally, and working alongside these communities to restore their lands and environment became a fulfilling mission. Ken’s integrity, commitment to environmental justice, and steadfast focus continue to inspire and motivate me in this ongoing fight.
What drives me is a deep-rooted response to injustice. Despite feeling sometimes helpless in the face of immense challenges, I remain committed because I recognize there’s only so much one person can do. My inspiration comes from the resilient spirit of the people in the Niger Delta, who have endured decades of environmental injustice. Their strength in the face of such adversity is truly motivating. Additionally, organizations like the GJN, which display solidarity and provide support among communities, remind me that this fight is not carried out in isolation.
The hope that this work instills in impacted communities—that they have not been forgotten and have allies in their struggle—fuels my dedication to continue advocating for their rights and for environmental restoration and reparation.
Grace at an oil degraded site at Rumuekpe community, Rivers State, Nigeria.
The ENDSARS protest of October 2020 was a pivotal moment in my life that deeply influenced my journey and commitment to activism. This movement against police brutality in Nigeria highlighted the profound impact of collective action and the power of voices coming together to demand change.
Witnessing this, and the solidarity among Nigerians from various walks of life, reinforced my resolve to fight for justice not only in my community but in broader societal contexts as well. It was a stark reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, and it continues to inspire my work and my dedication to environmental and social justice causes.