By Bill W. Cooper
A non-profit organization has honored its long-serving guardian, Father Robert Tikpor, for his service to human-kind in Grand Bassa County and the country at large.
The Grass Root Agency for Social Services (GRASS) operating in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, recognized the role played by the retired priest of the St. Kizito Catholic Church as part of its 10th anniversary celebration.
The occasion also witnessed the honoring of six other Liberians including a teacher and a journalist for their tireless contributions towards the country through their various and respective profession.
In a conversation with a team of journalists over the weekend at Father Tikpor’s residence in Sinkor, GRASS National Program Coordinator, Barley Togba, mentioned that the people of Grand Bassa are proud to have a son like the retired Catholic priest; whom he said, had always worked from his youthful days aimed at giving back to his county, and as such, it was prudent to have recognized such a character’s tireless efforts by awarding him with the Justice, Peace and Security award.
According to him, their organization believes that although there are few bad individuals who want to bring or see the country underdeveloped, others with good intentions are keen on seeing Liberia transformed and become prosperous, emphasizing that the Retired Father is of no exception.
“So, while he’s still alive, we thought to award him to tell the people of Grand Bassa County and Liberia at large that there is a need to change the way we do things, because people who have worked selflessly and compassionately need to be honored and appreciated,” he added.
Meanwhile, the GRASS Program Coordinator has stressed the need for Liberians to take ownership of their country as it is the only way that the country can move forward despite the many challenges.
He explained that no matter the situation, it is time that all Liberians, irrespective of other political and religious affiliations to make the ultimate sacrifice, stating that that’s the only way Liberia will see massive growth.
He further stressed that no donors’ money or partners’ support will develop Liberia if Liberians themselves do not change their mindset, indicating that Liberia’s growth requires full responsibility of every citizen by working collaboratively in the prime interest of the State.
Commenting on their organization’s workings, Mr. Togna maintained that GRASS has gone beyond Grand Bassa and is currently working in Gbarpolu, Bomi, Margibi and Rivercess Counties and that their work is also centered on advocating for people who feel their rights have been violated and neglected by the national government.
He further stated, “As an advocacy organization, our work is also focused on the country’s County Social Development Funds CSDF) as well as to work in other areas to shift the paradigm in terms of good laws. for the citizenry.”
Receiving his honor, Retired Father Tikpor thanked the organizers for their decision and judgment to bestow such an award upon him, something he noted that he never expected from the people of Bassa and the country.