For years, the Niger Delta has been ravaged by environmental disasters – devastating oil spills, gas flaring, and pollution. Once-thriving lands and waterways now lay in ruins, and local communities are struggling to survive. But in the face of this ecological tragedy, a beacon of hope has emerged.
Ann-Kio Briggs, a fearless environmental activist, has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of her Niger Delta people. For over two decades, she has selflessly devoted her time, energy, and passion to this cause, while inspiring countless others to join her in the fight for a sustainable future. SONIA OKERE reports
Early life and education
Ann-Kio Briggs was born in July 1952 in England to an Ijaw marine engineer father and a British mother. At the age of four, she was brought to Nigeria, where she lived with her paternal grandmother in Abonnema, Rivers State. Ann-Kio Briggs attended Holy Rosary Girls School in Port Harcourt. However, her education was interrupted by the Nigeria Civil War in 1967.
After the war, in 1970, she completed her secondary education and moved to England, where she obtained a degree in Marketing.
The Agape Birthrights organization
After spending many years abroad, Ann-Kio Briggs returned to her hometown and was devastated by the drastic changes she witnessed. The once-lush mangrove forests and fertile farmlands were now barren, ravaged by oil spills. Rivers that once provided life and sustenance were slick with crude oil, poisoning the water and killing the fish. After seeing all these, Ann- Kio founded Agape Birthrights, a non-governmental organization that promotes human, environmental, and developmental rights in Nigeria. The organization empowers communities to demand justice and hold corporations and governments accountable for their actions.
Advocacy and recognition
Ann-Kio Briggs is a vocal advocate for the Niger Delta, championing the rights of the region that has long sustained Nigeria’s economy. Over the years, she has presented speeches both nationally and internationally to draw global attention to the suffering experienced by those living in the riverine areas. She was among the delegates of the 2014 National Conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and during her speech, she passionately called for greater resource control, environmental restoration, and justice for Niger Delta communities.
Ann-Kio Briggs has held various leadership roles, including serving as the spokesperson for the Ijaw Republican Assembly (IRA) and the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) as of 2011. Additionally, she played a key role in the Niger Delta amnesty program for militants during the presidency of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
A mother of dragons
On July 29, 2024, Ann-Kio Briggs celebrated her 72nd birthday. During the event, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), a leading organization in the Niger Delta, extended heartfelt congratulations to her. In a statement signed by Dr. Kennedy Tonjo West, the President of MOSIEND, Ann-Kio, was described as “a mother of dragons, a woman with a lion’s heart, and a defender of the rights of the Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta.”
Women as change makers
Ann-Kio Briggs is not only a devoted biological mother of four, but also a maternal figure to countless others.
At the Change Makers International Women Conference held on August 15, 2024, at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Ann-Kio Briggs said: “In Nigeria, we grapple with hunger, dishonesty, and lack of accountability, which affects our welfare and daily lives.
“To address this, I believe that change must start from the grassroots. As mothers, we are, indeed, change makers. We play a vital role in shaping the future of our children, who are exposed to numerous temptations in today’s world. So, if we can instill integrity and honesty in our children, then we can prevent corruption from spreading to higher levels.”
Conclusion
Over the years, Ann-Kio Briggs has been known for risking her life to amplify the voices of those silenced by injustice. Despite the challenges, she continues to stand as a beacon of hope for the marginalized people of the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Her unwavering bravery and relentless dedication are a powerful testament to her extraordinary commitment to justice and her deep care for the people she serves.
