…Our Father’s Humble Beginning To A Successful End Should Be An Encouragement And Inspiration To All Who Want To Succeed – Dumo Lulu-Briggs
The remains of the late Oil Magnate and renowned philanthropist, High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs were laid to rest in his home town Orubio Abonnema in Akuku Touru Local Government Area of the State.
The burial ceremony which attracted high profile dignitaries within and across Africa also had former President Goodluck Jonathan, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo and other cream la cream in attendance.
Speaking during the commendation service, former President Goodluck Jonathan described the late High Chief O.B. Lulu Briggs as a sophisticated and an ardent philanthropist who had contributed to the development of the country as well as facilitated his emergence as Vice President in 2007.
Dr. Jonathan also noted that the late O.B. Lulu Briggs had impact the lives of people across the globe positively pointing out that the gathering of eminent Nigerians at the burial was as a result of the philanthropic gesture and benevolence of the oil mogul pointing out that his good works will stand the test of time.
He regretted that the demise of the late O.B. Lulu Briggs had left a vaccum and responsibility for the family and prayed God to give Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs the grace to sustain the laudable legacies of his late father.
In his sermon, Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge urged Christians to always exhibit integrity and inspire others to greatness in life.
Earlier, in his vote of thanks, the Chief Mourner and Head, Young Briggs House, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs said his late father began his early life as a truck pusher, farmer and Police Constable before rising as a clerk at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.
Chief Dumo who noted that the teachings and philosophy of his late father had helped him in the journey of life and commended Nigerians for their show of love and massive turnout during the burial ceremony.
The funeral service which had the customary combination of pomp and pageantry was graced by Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo; former First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan who accompanied her husband; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke and his wife, Mrs Onari Duke; former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia.
Others dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva; Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Rivers State chapter, Ambassador Desmond Akawor; Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Also present were, His Majesty king (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja JP, Jeki V, Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman Rivers State Council Of Traditional Rulers; The Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel; Chairman of Rivers Elders Council, High Chief Ferdinand Alabraba; former Managing Directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Timi Alaibe and Ms Joi Nunieh and several others.
Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the chief mourner thanked dignitaries who attended the ceremony to sympathise with his family as they laid their father to rest. He commended Governor Wike for giving his father a state burial.
“It had not been easy for the sacrifice you all made to be here. Our father’s humble beginning to a successful end should be an encouragement and inspiration to all who want to succeed.
