When laughter meets activism—environmentalists are turning humour into a tool for change.
In Benin, environmental groups are taking a lighter approach to a serious problem. The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) organised an eco-comedy show to raise awareness about Nigeria’s escalating ecological crisis.
Nnimmo Bassey explained that traditional advocacy alone isn’t enough. “Eco-comedy isn’t just about laughs; it makes people reflect and act on issues they might normally ignore,” he said, highlighting humour’s power to bridge gaps between public concern and policy action.
Mariann Bassey-Olsson of Environmental Rights Action added that comedy also helps activists cope with the pressures of sustained advocacy. “One good joke can achieve what a 40-page report cannot,” she said.
The event featured an eco-comedy short film contest, with Cynthia Bright winning the N250,000 prize. Organisers believe that creative approaches like this can boost public engagement and drive real action on environmental issues.
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