..Centre for Counselling of Deportees & Refugees (Ccdr Nigeria)

Centre for Counselling of Deportees & Refugees

The centre was founded in 2006, by Rev Fr. Gabriel Feyisetan, OP, a Dominican priest working in the catholic arch diocese of Lagos, south west Nigeria. For over 2 years Fr. Gabriel was at the catholic chaplain at the national refugee camp, Oru-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Here he was actively involved in counselling and ministering to a large number of Liberian refugees, here he observed the unfortunate plight of refugee situation, this moved the passion in him to plant a seed of hope in the lives of these unfortunate persons. This latter prompted the establishment of a humanitarian centre that will cater for African refugees and Nigeria deportees.

A Brief History

While addressing members of the centre at the first annual general meeting held on the 12th of May, 2007, Fr. Gabriel went ahead to give a brief description of how the whole idea started. "At first it was not easy thinking about deportees", he said. "Initially when I started receiving calls and emails from friends and international colleagues, especially from Germany and Switzerland, telling me of their efforts to assist deportees from African countries, especially Nigerians" I felt if foreigners could help Africans in their plight, why can't we do something for our own people?' Speaking further, "Fr. Gabriel said, he then went ahead to discuss the issue with few friends like Eng. Onubogu, Innocent Emeh, Captain Tony Oghide, Mr. Tony Okonkwo and Eng. Areoye who supported the idea. We started meeting and gradually the idea of an NGO was born in late 2006. Eng. Onubogu gave us an apartment for our office space while Mr. Tony Okonkwo donated some cash to the centre." Fr. Gabriel noted that the centre is not only for counselling but also to rehabilitate deportees.

Board Members

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Feyisetan, OP (Chairman )

Engr. Mike Onubogu

Captain Tony Oghide

Mr. Tony Okonkwo

Mr. Innocent Emeh

Engr. Simon Areoye