Nigeria’s leading environmentalist, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has commended the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) for unveiling its new facility in the Oko-Oba area of Lagos. He also commended the founder of the organisation, Betty Abah for her passion and administrative acumen.
The event marked the official opening of the property, an inclusive facility comprising several departments and segments including the main administrative offices, the Omoche Research and Resource Centre,
the Mal Jones Multimedia Studio, the Anne Ruffer’s Women’s Shelter, the Dr
Nnimmo Bassey Hall and the Women’s Skills Workshop.
The shelter run by the organization since 2021, caters for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in collaboration with Hearts100.
Bassey, founder of the environmental advocacy and think-tank organisation, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and a long-time supporter of CEE-HOPE, expressed his admiration for the organisation’s founder, Ms Abah and the work she has done to make a positive impact on the lives of multitudes of young people and their families especially in underserved communities.
“I am very proud of Betty Abah. I am happy with the name, CEE-HOPE, because when you see CEE-HOPE, you truly see hope,” he said.
Bassey also recalled their time together at the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), where Abah worked as his staff before establishing CEE-HOPE.
“I have known Betty for a long time. When I knew her, she was a staff member at ERA. She speaks her mind and doesn’t need to agree with you on everything, and that is a distinguishing factor. Betty needs to be understudied because that is the kind of person, the kind of independent spirit that Nigeria needs right now,” he said.
Dr. Bassey further praised Abah’s leadership qualities, particularly in mentoring young people.
“I’m particularly happy that the young people she has nurtured over the years are now becoming adults and able to stand on their own. If you do anything in life and can’t point to people following in your footsteps, then you are not a leader,” he said.
He went on to congratulate CEE-HOPE on the new complex and shared his previous visits to their center in Makoko. “This is how it should be—to really establish a structure that people can learn from. I love working with young people, but I don’t have the same temperament. The way Betty works with them is a special gift.”
Bassey further emphasized the significance of building a facility like this. “She could have used the same resources to build a palace for herself, but she chose to do something selfless. She has established CEE-HOPE for what it is and for what it will become in the future. This property, their community centre at Makoko and office at Abuja, it is not a mean feat. This is just the beginning; it is going to get bigger. In fact, this work will spread to other countries. I say amen because this is a mission from God.”
He concluded by praising Abah’s commitment. “She has never disappointed. She is always an example, providing solid leadership. I’m glad young people are growing through her guidance. She’s not just doing it for the excitement but offering true leadership. You will reap the fruits of your labor, and I pray you will make heaven.”
In her response, Abah expressed gratitude to her colleagues, friends, and well-wishers present at the event, reaffirming CEE-HOPE’s commitment to making a difference in target communities.
“I appreciate my boss, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, who has been a great supporter of CEE-HOPE. He has opened doors for us and so many other young people who are thriving today,” she said, offering prayers for continued blessings on him and his work.
Abah also thanked her colleagues and staff members at CEE-HOPE for their dedication and support over the years as well as the other attemdees.
Throughout the event, attendees—colleagues, friends, and members of CEE-HOPE—took turns appreciating Abah and the organization for their selfless work and ongoing contributions to society.
Those present at the colourful event include Mr. Richard Mammah, a Board of Trustees (BoT) member of CEE-HOPE; Mrs. Bola ‘Salt’ Essien-Nelson, a blogger, author, long time supporter of CEE-HOPE who runs the women’s shelter, the Sholly Serenity Place in Lagos; Mrs. Sophie Mbanisi, a supporter of CEE-HOPE, philanthropist and founder of the Healing Hearts Foundation for widows; On-Air Personality, Olori Ajoke Adunbi, several family members of Ms Abah and the media community including Gbenga Osinaike, Timi Ajayi, Dayo Emmanuel, Sanmi Falobi, Funmi Falobi, Ibrahim Ishaya, Adeola Ogunlade and
community members from Makoko, Ifelodun, Monkey Village and other places where CEE-HOPE works with vulnerable young people and families.
Founded in 2013 by activist-writer, Betty Abah, CEE-HOPE works across several informal communities across Lagos and other states with children and other vulnerable populations on rights advocacy and personal development/empowerment.