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By Chinenye Anuforo
•L-R: Chairman, O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, presenting a laptop to Jane Chinyere Boms, one of the 59 recipients of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s 15th Law School Students Scholarships who also got N120,000 cheques, at the award ceremony on Wednesday, May 22, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
On the 94th birthday of the late O.B. Lulu-Briggs, the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape. In a heartwarming ceremony held in Port Harcourt, the foundation awarded scholarships and gave brand new laptops to 59 deserving law graduates from the region.
The ceremony wasn’t just about financial aid; it was a testament to Dr. Lulu-Briggs’ vision. Mrs. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, the foundation’s chairperson, spoke of her husband’s legacy, a legacy born from a desire to empower law students facing financial constraints. Since 2009, the programme has transformed the lives of 931 students, ensuring that all 23 local government areas in Rivers State have benefited from this impactful initiative.
Lulu-Briggs’ address wasn’t merely a speech, it was a call to action. She urged the recipients to become champions of the rule of law, wielding their knowledge to make a positive societal impact. Recognizing the importance of technology in today’s legal world, each awardee received a laptop, symbolizing a gateway to a vast legal library, research resources and collaborative platforms.
But the impact goes beyond individual success. She emphasized the crucial role legal education plays in addressing the challenges faced by the Niger Delta region. She spoke of how lawyers can be powerful advocates for justice, ensuring equitable resource allocation and advocating for legislative reform.
A strong legal system is the bedrock of a thriving civil society, and the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation is actively building that foundation.
Lulu-Briggs further highlighted the role legal education plays in fostering a society that respects the rule of law and the dignity of every individual. By investing in these future lawyers, the foundation is investing in a future where the marginalized have a voice, and public officials are held accountable.
The foundation is open to collaboration, welcoming governments, individuals, institutions and corporations to join them in expanding their reach and furthering Nigeria’s development through education.
The ceremony also featured a captivating lecture by Professor Oluyemisi Adefunke Bamgbose, the deputy vice-chancellor (research) at the University of Ibadan and the first female Nigerian law professor to become a senior advocate of Nigeria. Prof. Bamgbose’s praise for Dr. Lulu-Briggs resonated throughout the hall, and her insights on navigating a successful legal career offered invaluable guidance to the aspiring lawyers.
Prof. Victor Akujuru, representing the Rivers State University Vice Chancellor, echoed the appreciation for the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s extraordinary philanthropic efforts. His words of congratulations to the scholarship recipients and encouragement for the foundation to keep up its exceptional work served as a fitting finale to a truly inspiring ceremony.
“The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation isn’t just handing out scholarships; they are equipping the lawyers of tomorrow, the architects of a stronger and more just Nigerian society. Their dedication is a beacon of hope, and their impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come,” he said.
