A skilled and multi-faceted entrepreneur, the Chief has been actively engaged in public life and displayed exemplary integrity, commitment and leadership in engaging the dominant political, social and economic issues of our times.
He began his career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1955 and served the organization meritoriously for a period spanning 23 years, 9 months and 13 days before retiring voluntarily as the Principal Industrial Relations Officer and Head of Division, Eastern Ports in April 1978.
PROFILE OF EBUYE LULU, HIGH CHIEF (DR.) O.B. LULU-BRIGGS, Iniikeiroari V
The life of High Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF is a true testimony to the power of vision, courage, determination, commitment to excellence and selfless service. A skilled and multi-faceted entrepreneur, the Chief has been actively engaged in public life and displayed exemplary integrity, commitment and leadership in engaging the dominant political, social and economic issues of our times.He began his career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1955 and served the organization meritoriously for a period spanning 23 years, 9 months and 13 days before retiring voluntarily as the Principal Industrial Relations Officer and Head of Division, Eastern Ports in April 1978.
Upon retiring from the NPA, High Chief Lulu-Briggs committed himself to the political process in furtherance of his belief that there is virtue to be found in a life of public service. His involvement in partisan politics started under the aegis of the now defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), where he was one of the founding fathers in Rivers State and later became the National Deputy Chairman of the party. Being a man who lives as he believes, the Chief also later contested as the Rivers State candidate for President under the now also defunct Social Democratic Party.
High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs believes that political power should be used as a force for positive social and economic change. For him, the primary role of leadership is to promote development and growth nationally and individually, while catalyzing unity and those ties that bind us together as a people.
During his period in public service, the Chief also served in many capacities including as the Chairman of the National Animal Feeds Company (the precursor to the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria, NAFCON) from 1981-1983; as a director of the Rivers State Transport Corporation, 1979-1982; and as Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Idah, 1982-1983.
Chief Lulu-Briggs has actively been involved in private enterprise. In 1992, he founded Moni Pulo Limited, arguably the most successfully run indigenous oil exploration and production company. The company currently employs a 100% indigenous workforce comprising engineers, geologists, accountants, lawyers and other professional staff. The company has maintained an enviable record in the continuous training of its staff and regularly provides grants for specialized training in its core areas.
As Chairman/CEO of Moni Pulo, Chief Lulu-Briggs seeks to make the company a leader in the area of corporate social responsibility and this has ensured that it continues to enjoy the total support of its host communities.
The Chief has also established many other successful businesses including Rachael Hotels, Lubrik Construction and Krakrama Investments. In his business life, the Chief also encourages the pursuit and attainment of excellence, innovation and the uncommon success that results from harnessing the strengths of a skilled and diverse workforce.
In his personal capacity, High Chief Lulu-Briggs has continued to be involved in several charitable causes and has devoted a significant portion of his energy, passion and resources to numerous philanthropic endeavors- mainly through his O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation. This is a family foundation, which with the Chief’s wife, Seinye as Executive Director, carries out free medical outreaches in the rural parts of the Niger Delta as well as caring for the physical, financial and spiritual welfare of over 200 aged and needy beneficiaries on a regular, monthly basis.
Totally committed to the continuity of the cultural legacy of the Kalabari people, the Chief built the Young Briggs Memorial Hall, a befitting edifice in memory of the progenitor of the Briggs House. In 1993, the Chief was installed on the Young Briggs Chieftaincy Stool as Iniikeiroari V of Kalabari kingdom. He has also served, among others, as Chairman, Finance Committee of the Kalabari Se Karibi, the Governing Council of various Kalabari communities.
High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs, Ebuye Lulu, believes his life is a testament to the continued grace and mercy of God Almighty. His devotion to matters of God was birthed in the home and under the positive influence of his grandmother, Agbani. It was further nurtured by his mother, Rachael Kioba, who performed her life’s work, especially for the outcast and needy in society, as if it was a divine call from God.
L-R Chief Anthony Oweredaba, Engr. Ebere Gibson Owhonda, President of People’s Club of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Branch, Hon. O.C. J. Okocha Ibim Iyibo Young Briggs and High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF, DSSRS at the 4th Anniversary and Award of People Club.
CITATION FOR HIGH CHIEF (DR.) O.B. LULU-BRIGGS, OON. DCF
EBUYE LULU, INIIKEIROARI V OF KALABARI, AMABELEMABO 1 OF KALABARI, EMINE 1 OF KALABARI
2011 Recipient Of Honorary Doctor Of Business Administration DBA, (Honoris Causa),
BY RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE OF TECHNOLOGY,
NKPOLU, OROWORUKWO, PORT HARCOURT
OCTOBER 15, 2011
CITATION FOR HIGH CHIEF (DR.) O.B. LULU-BRIGGS,
The life of Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF (“The Chief”) has been one dedicated to the very best traditions of public service of our beloved nation, Nigeria, During the over five and a half decades in which he has been actively involved in public service and private enterprise, he has shown exemplary vision, courage, commitment and leadership in engaging the major social, economic and political issues of the times.
The Chief began his career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1955 and served the organization meritoriously for a period spanning 23 years, 9 months and 13 days before retiring voluntarily as the Principal Industrial Relations Officer and Head of Division, Eastern Ports, in April 1978.
Beyond his normal course of duties, he was actively involved in the organization of the workers to ensure improved conditions of service and engender increased productivity. His record of service at NPA reveals a remarkable and uncommon ability to walk the fine line of steadfastly promoting the rights of workers in a consensual manner that minimized disruption of the operations of the ports.
He served as Secretary of the Workers Union at NPA for over 7 years-another milestone achievement because this was a position usually marked by the brevity of the tenure of the occupant of the office. The Chief was also Chairman, Maritime Trade Union Federation of the Eastern Ports from 1968-1971 and was one of the founders of the Rivers State Council of Labor and served as its President from 1970-1972.
Today, most who have had the privilege of working at the NPA would readily attest to this period as the “golden age” for workers, as the establishment took bold steps in improving the working conditions of its staff especially the provision of staff canteens and the payment of overtime to its workers for extra hours. This in turn ensured that in those years, NPA functioned as a 24 hour port and was the hub for port users in the entire West African coast.
Upon retiring from the NPA in 1978, the Chief committed himself to the political process in furtherance of his belief that there is virtue to be found in a life of public service. He was one of the founding members of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Rivers State and acted as the 1st Protem Secretary of the party’s Rivers State Branch in 1979. Thereafter, he was elected as the National Vice-Chairman for Rivers State from 1979-1980 and became National Deputy Chairman of the party from 1980- 1983.
During this period in public service, he also served as the Chairman of the National Animal Feeds Company (the precursor to the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria- NAFCON) from 1981-1983; as a director of the Rivers State Transport Corporation, 1979-1982; and as Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Idah, 1982-1983.
Throughout his involvement in politics, the Chief constantly sought to show that political power could be used as a force for positive change in our society. He believed that the primary duty of the leadership was to curb divisiveness and promote the things that bind us as a people. It is noteworthy that when that Republic was terminated, the Chief’s conduct throughout the period was found to be totally without blemish.
The most eloquent testimony to the confidence the Chief continues to enjoy as a leader amongst his people is the fact that during the botched third Republic, he contested for the position of President under the now defunct Social Democratic Party (under the Option A4) and was elected candidate for Rivers State, polling over 72% of the popular vote in a field comprising five other contestant.
When the entire process was truncated, the Chief out of principle and personal conviction elected to retire from partisan politics, and was vocal in his call for an end to military rule which he believed was taking our nation to the precipice and threatening the bonds that bind our people.
As a natural entrepreneur, the Chief turned his mind and hands to private enterprise. He successfully established Rachael Hotels, a 68-room hotel in the Port Harcourt metropolis, which has been recently refurbished to international standards and re-opened to great public acclaim.
He has always believed that an entrepreneurial class is only worthy of its name if it engages in productive activities that provide employment to the people, ensures the acquisition of skills and meets its obligations to the State in order to enhance the common good.
In 1989, the Chief founded Moni Pulo Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company. The company is arguably one of the most successfully run indigenous oil company and has provided ample justification for the policy of encouraging Nigerians to become directly involved in the upstream sector of the oil industry.
The company currently employs a 100% indigenous workforce of professionals, comprising among others-engineers, geologists and accountants. The company has maintained an enviable record in the continuous training of its staff and regularly provides grants for specialized training in its core areas.
As Chairman/CEO of Moni Pulo, the Chief has sought to make the company a leader in the area of corporate social responsibility and this has ensured that it continues to enjoy the total support of its host communities in its area of operations. The company has received uncommon praise from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government of Cross River State, the Government and relevant community associations of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NDDC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources, for its outstanding activities in this area. The company continues to meet all its obligations to the treasury in a timely manner and is in good standing with the regulatory authorities in the industry.
Again, the diversity of the work force in Moni Pulo reflects the vision the Chief has for the future of our great nation, Nigeria. For him, our national diversity is a source of strength which must be harnessed in order to realize our full potentials as a people.
A firm believer in and early advocate of the local content policy of the present administration, the Chief holds the view that the policy, though admirable, would require the active support of the private sector to create avenues for Nigerians to acquire the requisite skill sets to become involved in the highly competitive oil and gas industry.
To this end, the Chief’s company Moni Pulo annually provides scholarships in Nigeria to over 200 deserving albeit financially incapacitated students. This is in addition to the Moni Pulo International Scholars Program which used to provide an average of 20 grants annually for undergraduate and graduate studies in overseas institutions. The Chiefs own linkages have also ensured that thus far, all the scholars have returned home to Nigeria after their courses of study and are contributing their quota to national development.
The Chief has also made a sizeable endowment to the Department of Petroleum Engineering in the University of Texas at Austin in the USA which has made it possible for indigent but gifted students worldwide to pursue their education in that renowned institution.
In addition, the Chief has contributed to the welfare of students in the Niger Delta by donating N150 million to the Niger Delta University, located in Bayelsa State. The funds were specifically used for the construction of befitting ultramodern hostels for the students – a much needed amenity which is sadly so often overlooked and compromised on. This is a reflection of the Chief’s fundamental and abiding interest in creating an enabling environment for those seeking educational advancement. The hostel blocks have since been commissioned and handed over to the university authorities. Furthermore, he donated a N50 million Health Center to the University of Port Harcourt and under the aegis of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation; High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs built, equipped and donated three science laboratories to three secondary schools in Rivers State.
The Chief is also the Chairman of Lubrick Construction Company; one of the foremost, professional and fast growing construction outfits in Nigeria. All that the Chief does or is associated with is underpinned by the spirit of excellence, which is one of his values.
Underpinning the day to day running of his businesses, is the Chiefs deep and abiding faith in the salvation offered by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For him, the greatest gift he can give anyone, at this point in his life and walk of faith, is to lead as many people as possible to faith in Jesus Christ.
Apart from personal acts of evangelism, the Chief uses the ‘vehicle’ of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Campaign for Christ to carry out this God-given assignment.
The Chief believes that his life is a testament to the unending grace and mercy of God and has therefore supported his faith through his blessings which he believes ultimately come from God. He has been a benefactor to several churches, contributing to various building funds and soliciting for support for the churches.
In recognition of the Chiefs good works, communities around Nigeria have also conferred chieftaincy titles on him. In 1991, the paramount ruler of Owo conferred on him, the title of Efun-Alaye and later in the same year, the Obowu clan of Imo State conferred another title on him. In 2007, he was conferred with the rare title of High Chief ke Efik Eburutu by the Obong of Calabar; in 2008 he was made the Opomulero of Ijero Kingdom by the Oba of Ijero Ekiti and in March 2009, he was made the Mene Doole (Chief of Philanthropy) of Bangha Kingdom, Ogoni, by the Mene Suanu. The Amanyanabo of Kalahari conferred on him the title, Emine of Kalahari. He is also the Paramount Chief and Head of Oruwari Group of Houses in Abonnema.
Beyond all this, what is paramount to the Chief is his role of peacemaker and broker which he has performed with great distinction in several communities in the Niger Delta. The Chief’s unobtrusive involvement in those things that make for harmonious community life but do not make headline news in the local or national dailies is what constitutes the most enduring contribution of this remarkable Nigerian. His personal integrity, charisma and leadership have proven very useful in winning the confidence of all sides in these conflicts as an honest broker of the peace.
This is particularly remarkable given the Chief’s dual role as the founder and operator of a major indigenous oil exploration/production company and at the same time, a respected community leader in the heartland of our nation’s delta region, where most of our country’s developmental challenges are amplified by the ‘politics of oil and gas production’.
He has continued to work with other stakeholders to develop lasting strategies for conflict resolution and bridge building between communities, nongovernmental organizations, public servants and the private sector. His diplomacy, candor and sense of fairness have earned him the respect of all concerned parties, which is extremely vital to resolving most of the ensuing conflicts. Indeed, his has been a voice of calm, civility and restraint in the way we deal with the challenges which confront our Nation at this time.
Thus , over time, the Chief has been responsible for, amongst other things, bringing about reconciliation amongst the warring factions of the Tombia and Bakana communities in Rivers State; a conflict which had seemingly defied every possible resolution and had exacted a needless toll on lives and property. He has also been responsible for reconciling the princes and chiefs of Buguma in the conflicts that arose over the ascension to the throne of the Amayanabo of Kalahari. The Chief was also instrumental in reuniting the Abonnema community with the Briggs War Canoe House and ensuring that Briggs chiefs regain their position in the Abonnema council of chiefs.
The Chief continues to seek peaceful solutions to conflict situations in the Niger Delta based on a deep conviction that ultimately, no meaningful development can take place without peace and, stability.
As an elder statesman, he continues to make himself available to contending interests in the political divide and acts as a voice of reason and moderation amongst the political class whose passion in the quest for power and advantage can sometimes endanger the health of the society. It was in recognition of this, alongside his milestone achievements in the field of politics and entrepreneurship, that in 2010, the respected national daily, Thisday newspaper, bestowed the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award on him.
High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs continues to promote worthy causes all over the land and has devoted all of his working life to the pursuit of the common good through the creation of wealth, increasing of opportunities and the exercise of leadership with responsibility. He has affected so many lives in a very profound and real sense with his compassion and belief that all men are brothers.
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The life of Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF is one dedicated to the service of our beloved nation, Nigeria, to his state of origin, Rivers State and to the Kalabari kingdom.
Having begun his career at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 1955, he served the organization meritoriously for over two decades before retiring voluntarily as the Principal Industrial Relations Officer and Head of Division, Eastern Ports, in April 1978. While at NPA, he also served as Secretary of the Workers Union; he chaired the Maritime Trade Union Federation of the Eastern Ports from 1968-1971 and was one of the founders of the Rivers State Council of Labor and served as its President from 1970-1972.
From 1978, as a result of his commitment to the political process, Chief was one of the founding members of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Rivers State and acted as the 1st Protem Secretary of the party’s Rivers State Branch in 1979. Thereafter, he was elected the National Vice-Chairman for Rivers State from 1979-1980 and became National Deputy Chairman of the party from 1980-1983.
During this period in public service, he also served as the Chairman of the National Animal Feeds Company (the precursor to the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria, NAFCON) from 1981-1983; as a director of the Rivers State Transport Corporation, 1979-1982; and as Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Idah, from 1982-1983.
A successful and multi-faceted entrepreneur, the Chief has set up businesses in industries as varied as hospitality, construction and oil and gas exploration. His company, Moni Pulo Ltd, is one of the foremost indigenous exploration and production organizations and currently employs a 100% indigenous workforce.
A strong believer in the nurturing of local skills and talent, High Chief (Dr.) O.B. Lulu-Briggs’ company Moni Pulo Limited provides annual scholarships to gifted but indigent students, from the primary to tertiary levels of education. He has also contributed to the welfare of students in the Niger Delta by donating students’ hostels valued at N150 million to the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State.
He has also devoted himself to selfless service for his people under the auspices of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation. The Foundation which recently concluded its 26th Free Medical Mission in Rivers State also caters daily for over 200 vulnerable senior citizens, by providing them with food, medication, caregivers(where required) and a living allowance. Other programmes of the Foundation include the Micro Credit Scheme, Free de-worming for primary school children and Access to Clean Water/Water Purification.
The Foundation has also built and commissioned the fully equipped and operational Biokpo Recreational Centre for the Elderly in Abonnema, Rivers State.
Furthermore, the Chief donated a N50 million Health Center to the University of Port Harcourt and in 2008 under the aegis of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation; he built and donated three science laboratories to three secondary schools in Rivers State.
The Chief believes that his life is a testament to the unending grace and mercy of God and takes his title-Defender of the Christian Faith (DCF)-with the seriousness it deserves. Under the auspices of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Campaign for Christ the Chief has taken the pure, undiluted Word of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour to many urban and rural communities. His evangelistic outreaches have also been directed to chiefs, traditional rulers and people of influence in governmental circles.
The Chief continues to promote worthy causes all over the land and has devoted all of his working life to the pursuit of the common good through the creation of wealth, increasing of opportunities and the exercise of leadership with responsibility.
High Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF, Iniikeiroari V of Kalahari Kingdom and Paramount Head of Briggs Oruwari House of Abonnema, Chairman/CEO of Moni Pulo Ltd, is a man of honor. In his veins flow love for God and for humanity. His life of love, faith and service has given hope to the hopeless and care to the abandoned.
Opuda as he is fondly called is gifted with unrivaled entrepreneurial skills and business savvy. With the deregulation of the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil industry, he incorporated the Moni Pulo Ltd, an indigenous oil and gas company in 1992 and was among the few Nigerians that were awarded oil prospecting licenses at the time. His desire to build a global standard indigenous organization compelled him to delve into the very volatile and risky business of actual exploration and production. This was at a time when many awardees sold off their oil prospecting licenses to foreign concerns for immediate gains. The company has since carved out a niche for itself as a world class company of note, employing and empowering many Nigerian professionals long before the Nigerian Content Act made this mandatory.
To express his penchant for charitable philanthropy, he founded the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, a not-for-profit charity, which he financed. For almost 15 years the foundation has provided free health care to over 100,000 persons through Its free medical mission. The 26th edition of the free medical mission held from 29th February to 4th March 2016 at Obuama, in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In addition to this, the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation gives dally care to the aged and Infirm In rural communities by providing them food and I medicine for as long as they live. The Foundation has built and furnished two recreational centers for the elderly at Abonnema and Abua, both of which are communities in Rivers State. These recreational centers have modern facilities where previously home bound and Ignored senior citizens can Interact dally, receive nutritious meals and medical attention. For the many homeless and abandoned elderly, he provides succour by building decent homes for them.
In the area of education, High Chief (Dr.) O. B. Lulu-Briggs has awarded countless scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, including overseas post graduate scholarships. He has built and equipped science laboratories to encourage children in the Niger Delta to gain interest and proficiency in the sciences. The High Chief has also endowed an academic chair in Petroleum Geosciences in the University of Port Harcourt, sponsored research on Parkinson’s Disease in the Rochester Research Institute in New York and in Lebanon, built student hostels in the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State and a modern health center in University of Port Harcourt. Opuda’s scope of giving is illimitable and his love waters almost every aspect of human endeavor. This is exemplified by the fact that since 2011, through the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, he provides annual grants and laptops to over 50 law students of Rivers state origin to enable them attend and participate fully in the Nigerian Law School.
Opuda is a devout Christian who has sold out totally to winning souls for Christ through the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Campaign for Christ from a modest private Chapel at his Sombreiro House residence, Opuda built the imposing Chapel of God International Worship Center. Additionally, he readily and cheerfully provides financial support for church projects all over Nigeria, including the Bishop’s Court at Ijero Ekiti, Our Savior’s Anglican Hospital in Port Harcourt and a modern school, Anglican Girls secondary school at Sama, Rivers State.
A Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary club, and a beloved friend and supporter of reputable international service organizations, the Rotary club and the Lion’s club international have at various times honored him. He is also an honorary citizen of the city of Houston, Texas in the USA and a recipient of Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of Port Harcourt, Niger Delta University and Rivers State University of Science and Technology. This is in addition to countless other awards and chieftaincy titles he has been given over the years.
Opuda is a devoted family man blessed with children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Traditional Wake Keep in Honour of High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs, 12/03/2021
Night of Singing in Honour of High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs with Mighty Wave Band 12/03/2021
Interment (The Grave Side) of High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs 13/03/2021
THE INSTALLATION OF CHIEF BARR. DUMO LULU-BRIGGS AS THE HEAD OF YOUNG-BRIGGS HOUSE (INIIKEIROARI VI)
BURIAL THANKSGIVING (O.B LULU-BRIGGS)
THE INSTALLATION OF CHIEF BARR. DUMO LULU-BRIGGS AS THE HEAD OF YOUNG-BRIGGS HOUSE (INIIKEIROARI VI)
The crest of the Briggs (Oruwari) House comprises eight interlocking manilas, which symbolize unity, strength and love. ‘
In the middle of the crest is a reptile. Legend has it that this reptile «as deified by a group of people- a situation which was radically changed by Oiief Young Briggs who, in disregard of this myth, killed the creature and used its flesh for a meal. For this act of courage an’d de-mystification of people’s fears, he earned the name “Obuabara.”
The Briggs (Oruwari) House of Abonnema proudly claims a dignified pedigree in the Kalabari Kingdom, since it has a direct claim, through Dwenala ( Black Jim) to a remote ancestry of Akiala. Akiala was the founder of the ward of Akialame, one of the seven wards which amalgamated in 1663, to found the Kalabari Kingdom under King Amachree I.
Over time, Abonnema became one of the key commercial centres in Nigeria Internationa1 trade flourished here and European trading companies, such as U.A.C. and S.C.O.A. settled in Abonnema to transact their business. With a thriving enterprise in the palm oil and palm kernel trade, the volume of international trade increased exponentially- especially when timber, for which Abonnema was a major export port, attracted great global demand.
By 1885 Christianity came into Abonnema through the evangelizing .wing of the Anglican C.M.S. mission in Nigeria. Galvanized by the pioneering spirit of Bishop A|ayi Crowther, the Niger Diocese of the Anglican Church established St. Augustine’s church in Abonnema. Shortly afterwards, churches sprang up in neighbouring towns and communities and educational institutions, such as the pioneering Bishop Crowther Memorial School, were subsequently established.
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The chieftaincy position, even today, is accorded the highest regard and status in the Kalabari Kingdom. In the.olden days, chiefs had to possess sufficient wealth and manpower to be able to raise and command a personal army, which included a war canoe manned by at least 50 warriors. Through his industry and far sightedness, Chief Briggs II achieved great wealth and man-power and in so doing, was able to rise to the preeminent position of founding his personal chieftaincy house, which soon outgrew the ancestral houses of Dwenala and Akiala.
Today the Briggs ( Oruwari) House is made up of 7 chieftaincy houses, each with its own line of Chiefs and chieftaincy families. These houses are: Main Briggs ( Oruwari II), Young Briggs, Bestman, Memberr, Alabraba, Cyclops and Dwenala. Chief Briggs II (Oruwari) attained a foremost position during the reign of King Karibo Amachree III; Amayanabo of Kalabari ( 1782-1863). After Chief Briggs II died in 1856, Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs automatically succeeded his father.
Abonnema was founded on June 16, 1881, by Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs accompanied by Chief Bestman Ajumogobia, Chief Memberr Briggs and other illustrious members of the Briggs House. From the onset these intrepid ancestors ably and gallantly defended Abonnema against invading armies, such as the invading Bonny military armada which was routed, without any external assistance, on March 7,1882. The spoils of the Bonny invasion, including cannons, ammunition, war canoes, flags and men, are till this day retained by the Briggs ( Oruwari) House, attesting to the gallantry of these ancestors who won a priceless victory for all sons and daughters of Abonnema. It is for this reason that Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs is aptly given the honorific, Founder and Sole Defender of Abonnema.
Chief Young Briggs was clearly primus inter pares- a fact borne out by the superior “ subsidy” he was paid by the then British government, who recognized and paid subsidies to important chiefs of the area. In Abonnema, while Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs was paid forty pound sterling per annum, other chiefs were paid significantly lower amounts.
On October 8, 1905, Chief Iniikeiroari Young Briggs joined his ancestors, leaving behind a town and more significantly, a War Canoe which is legendary in the history of the Ijaws, for its size, wealth and quality of political organization. This “Mighty Warrior of New Calabar” will forever be celebrated and remembered even as he is celebrated and his exploits memorialized 100 years after his death.
Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs has devoted his life tirelessly to the service of the nation and of his people. A skillful and successful, multifaceted entrepreneur, Chief has been actively engaged in public life and displayed exemplary courage, commitment and leadership in engaging the dominant political, social and economic issues of our times.
In his involvement in politics, under the aegis of the now defunct National Part of Nigeria (NPN) and later the also defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs Constantly sought to show that political power should be used as a force for positive social and economic change. He believed that the primary role of leadership was to promote unity, celebrate and draw strength from diversity and encourage the things that bind us together as a people.
Chief has been equally progressive in private enterprise. He successfully established many successful businesses including The Rachael Hotel, Creek Haulage and Moni Pulo Limited. In his business life, as in his political career, Chief continues to encourage excellence, creativity, success through unified efforts and constantly harnesses the strengths of a skilled, diverse work force to attain excellent results.
Apart from the outstanding, custom designed corporate social responsibility activities of Moni Pulo Limited, Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs in his personal capacity, devotes much of his energy and resources to numerous charitable causes-mainly in the area of education and health.
Totally committed to the continuity of the cultural legacy of the Kalabari people, Chief recently completed the Young Briggs Memorial House, a befitting edifice in memory of the progenitor of the Briggs family. In 1991, Chief established the Lulu-Briggs stool and in 1993, was elevated to the Young Briggs Chieftaincy stool as Iniikeiroari V of the Kalabari kingdom. He currently serves as Chairman, Finance Committee of the Kalabari Se Kobiri, the Governing Council of the* various Kalabari communities.
Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs believes his life is a testament of the continued grace and mercy of the Lord. He continues to promote worthy causes all over Nigeria and has devoted his professional and personal life to the relentless pursuit of the common good through the creation of wealth, broadening educational and entrepreneurial opportunities and the exercise of responsible leadership.
Chief is a devoted family man blessed with children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
HISTORY
Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs or DLB as he is popularly known and which is now known as the DLB Brand is a seasoned legal practitioner of over 27 years post call, an accomplished businessman, technocrat, politician and grassroots mobilizer. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of DLB group, a conglomerate of companies with interest in oil & gas, and marine.
Born in 1964 to the family of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF who was National Vice Chairman, South-South of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic, and late madam Irene Danagogo, both from Abonnema, in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. He attended Port Harcourt Township primary school from 1970 to 1975, Government Comprehensive Secondary School Port Harcourt, between 1975 – 1980. He holds an LLB degree in Law from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1985) and also a Masters degree (LLM) in Law from the prestigious London school of Economics (University of London); and was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 1986. He did his National Youth Service at the Institute of Legal Administration, Katsina State Polytechnic, Katsina, from 1988 – 1989. He was in Private Legal Practice from 1989 to 1994. Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA). He has also attended several executive leadership courses at Harvard, Cambridge and the Southern Methodist University, SMU, Dallas, Texas.
CAREER
Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs has an excellent and distinguished working career in the private and public sector in Nigeria. He was the legal adviser/company secretary and contributing editor to Associate Media Limited 1990 – 1991, Solicitor and Notional Head of Chambers, Edu & Mohammed (Solicitor) 1991 – 1992, Principal partner in Nwoka & Lulu-Briggs Law office from 1992 – 1998. He also worked as Company secretary/Legal adviser to Moni Pulo Limited (Petroleum Development). He later served as the Managing Director, Pioneer Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Moni Pulo Limited; an indigenous, independent oil and gas exploration and Production Company from 1995 to 2004. He sits atop and/ or chairs several boards of Oil, Gas & Marine companies. He was past Chairman of two Federal Parastatals (Boards) namely, chairman, governing council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and Chairman, Board of Management, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs is currently Chairman, Platform Petroleum Limited, a reputable indigenous oil exploration and prospecting company and Chairman of DLB GROUP OF COMPANIES. He is a grassroots politician, mobilizer, and an astute entrepreneur who has bagged several awards. In 2010 he was honored as Best Parastatals Board Chairman of the Year 2010 by the International Publications Limited (Publishers of The International Maritime Digest); the Distinguished Nation Builders Merit Award (DINBMA); ABR 2015 Leadership and Philanthropy Award; African Achievers Humanitarian Award 2016; Honorary Rotarian Award 2016; Garden City Advancement Award for philanthropy 2016.
SOCIAL LIFE
He was a Member- Rivers State Economic Advisory Council for four years (2007-2011); Member – Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorers(NAPE); Member – International Bar Association (IBA); Fellow – Institute of Corporate Managers & Public Administrators of Nigeria (FCMPA); and a member of the 1ST Association of Port Harcourt, Nyemoni Asawo Ogbo of Abonnema and Kengema Mina Ogbo of Abonnema; and several other social and cultural clubs in Nigeria. Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs active political career started in 1992 when he contested for the House of Representative seat for Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Thereafter he became the National Assistant Legal Adviser for the Grassroot Democratic Party from 1996 – 1998. He was the Governorship candidate, National Democratic Party, for Rivers State, in 2003, and also in 2015 contested for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nomination as Governorship candidate at the Party’s primary election. Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a very rare States-Man; He is the Grand Patron of one of the most outstanding non partisan youth organizations in Nigeria: the Dumo Lulu – Briggs Youths Foundation (DYF23), founded and duly registered and preaching peace amongst youths. This is a major tool for youth enlightenment and development. DYF23 since its inception has been mentoring youths to be worthy ambassadors in all ramifications, prepared to help build a strong and inclusive Rivers State and ultimately Nigeria and Africa, and preparing our youth for leadership. Through this youth foundation, DYF23, he is able to reach out to youths in the 23 local government councils in Rivers State, campaigning against anti-socio vices and youth restiveness in the society, He has inspired and empowered countless youths into entrepreneurship, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in this 21st century. He is ever ready to employ benevolence and selfless service to humanity. Dumo Lulu – Briggs Youths Foundation (DYF23) driving motto is: REPOSITIONING THE YOUTH FOR A BETTER TOMORROW! He is a well acknowledged Giver and Philanthropist of high repute who does not relent in reaching out regularly to the less privileged in places like The Children Home, Home for the Elderly, and The Home For Street Kids in Port Harcourt. He gives grants regularly to women to start small trades, and pays for vocational training for young men and women to acquire relevant and marketable Skills. He is a church worker, contributing immensely to church activities both physically and financially. Yearly, he awards scholarships to indigent students from Rivers State across the 23 LGAs. He also gives financial assistance to persons with different health challenges including sponsorship of major surgeries locally and abroad. He is very passionate about helping the less-privileged because he believes that ultimately, it is in giving that humanity finds fulfillment. The true worth of a man is in the ways he responds to his environment he often preaches. Most of the beneficiaries of his philanthropy he may never know. Tall, handsome and soft-spoken, Chief (Barr) Dumo Lulu-Briggs or DLB is down to earth and street-smart. He is married and a father to four beautiful children. He loves administration, sports, writing and philanthropy.
Sokari Briggs
from
Port Harcourt
wrote on December 31, 2020
at
7:23 am
Tamuno Akani
from
Port Harcourt
wrote on December 30, 2020
at
10:24 pm
Moses Monday
from
Port Harcourt
wrote on December 30, 2020
at
11:59 am