Adedayo Emmanuel
The Centre for Children’s Health Education Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) has named a hall in its facility after one of its supporters, Rev. (Dr.) Nnimmo Bassey.
Executive Director of the organisation, Betty Abah at the event said, Nnimmo Bassey used to be her boss at the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) who is still her boss. “What I learn from Nnimmo Bassey is advocacy. When people are oppressed, there is nobody to speak for them most time but once the oppressors know that someone like Nnimmo Bassey is around, they would mind how they carry out their oppression,” Abah said at the event.
She however narrated how the organization started about eight years ago and the support the organisaiton has received from people like Nnimmo Bassey and his family.
Responding, Bassey expressed appreciation for the great honour CEE-HOPE has bestowed on him.
“It is a very big pleasure for us to visit CEE-HOPE. The last time I was hare was 2017, I must thank the management, Board of Trustee for the great work being done,” he said.
Bassey added that, “We have many NGOs but CEE-HOPE stands out because they affect lives. The scope looks narrow, so it covers women and children but it actually covers all areas.
“If you are saying the truth, you are not afraid because you can’t do anything about the truth and that is what is keeping CEE-HOPE, you stand for the helpless, the oppressed and that is why you see the success.
“We are never doubtful of what the organisation is doing, we find ourselves very comfortable to stand with people like CEE-HOPE because that is what we do as well. So on behalf of myself and my wife, I appreciate this colourful honour. It is a very good way to spend today here,” he said.
In his own response, a Board Member of CEE-HOPE, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin commended CEE-HOPE on the shelter established for abused women.
“It is intriguing that with our population, we have just few shelters including the one organised by CEE-HOPE,” he said, appreciating Bassey for his support for the organisation.
“We thank you for what support you have given to CEE-HOPE, we are praying that the Lord rewards you,” he prayed, also appreciating Mrs. Nnimmo Bassey for all the support.
