When in December 2018, the late Kalabari oil mogul, High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs died, many were of the opinion that his businesses and philanthropy would suffer greatly following the unending murky tales and crises trailing his unfortunate demise. But almost six years after, the billionaire’s widow, Dr. (Mrs.) Seinye Lulu-Briggs has lived up to the expectations, ensuring the vast business empire left behind does not suffer. Most importantly, the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation—established in 2001 to honour and institutionalise the billionaire’s prolific and legendary giving— has become a foremost non-governmental organisation positively transforming the lives of the underserved in Rivers State, the South-South and Nigeria.
Spotlight gathered Seinye’ life has been centred on God – whom she serves as Pastor of the Chapel of God International Worship Centre, Old GRA Port Harcourt, her family, her businesses —La Sien Bottling Company Limited, Soliyama Limited, Moni Pulo, Rachael Hotel— and lastly, philanthropy. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the woman has not deviated from the five core areas her late husband’s non-partisan NGO has chosen to touch people’s lives. With over N3 billion spent to touch lives positively so far, the testimonies of the beneficiaries about the foundation’s impact on their lives have been heart-warming.
In recognition of her selfless service to the people, the Paramount King of Ekpeye Kingdom, Eze Sir Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, and his Council of Chiefs conferred on Seinye, the title of ‘Ununwe Gwoduma Emene Ekpeye 1 of Ekpeyeland’ (The chief that heals Ekpeye people).
The honour was done on the gracious woman during her visit to Ahoada Town, River State on Wednesday, 10 April for the official opening ceremony of the Foundation’s 39th Free Medical Mission. The 5-day Free Medical Mission held at the Model Primary Health Centre, Ahoada Town, had a team of over 130 medical and non-medical volunteers on ground to solve myriads of health issues of thousands who are beneficiaries. All services are free of charge.