CISLAC/TI-Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Dame Jane Goodall

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dame Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, describing her as a towering figure whose work transformed humanity’s understanding of the natural world.

In a condolence message signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC/TI-Nigeria hailed Goodall as a pioneer whose groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees challenged long held assumptions about human exceptionalism.

“Dame Goodall’s leadership transformed our understanding of the natural world and our place within it,” the group stated, recalling how her 65 year career of observing chimpanzees revealed their complex social lives marked by both compassion and cruelty and demonstrated their ability to use and develop tools once thought to be a uniquely human trait.

Beyond her research, Goodall was celebrated for her lifelong advocacy on conservation, climate action, and the impact of human population growth on the environment. She published several memoirs, lectured globally, and continued to inspire action well into her later years.

Her contributions earned her some of the world’s most prestigious honors, including the Kyoto Prize, the Templeton Prize, and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025. She was also an honorary member of the World Future Council and served on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project from 2022 until her passing.

“As we bid farewell to one of the brightest minds in population science, we honor not only her groundbreaking contributions but also her unwavering commitment to ensuring that humanity recognizes its deep connection to the natural world,” Rafsanjani said.

He added that Goodall’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations, shaping global thinking on conservation, population, and sustainable development.