There is truly nothing we could ever do that would be too much to honour a man of such extraordinary life and impact as Opuda, Alabo OB Lulu-Briggs. All honour and adoration belong first and foremost to God, but for those of us who remain, it is only right that we continue to set aside moments like this to honour a life that meant so much to so many.
We call him a legend because he was that, and even more.
OB Lulu-Briggs was a man who lived entirely for others. A deeply spiritual man, he sought God daily and consistently measured his actions by one guiding question: “How will God see this?” That conviction was the compass by which he lived his life. His selflessness was profound and unquestionable; he embodied sacrifice in its purest form, always placing the comfort and welfare of others above his own.
Every year, we pray for the wisdom to do something meaningful, something that truly honours his memory while bringing joy and hope to the hearts of the people he loved so dearly.
During his lifetime, every December across the Kalabari Kingdom was marked by his generosity. He cared for the sick, supported the elderly, paid school fees for children, and provided the basic necessities of life. He simply met the needs of his people without hesitation or fanfare.
In remembering him, we have chosen to continue the very things he stood for. Last year, the celebration featured a choral competition. This year, the introduction of a cultural competition further reflected his passion for unity, heritage, and community development. By the grace of God, this commitment will continue, next year and in the many years to come.
This year marks the fifth edition of the OB Lulu-Briggs Day celebration. By God’s grace, there will be a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, and many more. His legacy lives on.
Though he has passed, he remains a king. Many believe he is a man who will never truly die—a man of soul whose influence transcends time. May his soul continue to rest in peace in the bosom of his Maker.
Remarkably, even in death, his desire for unity endured. Through a trusted friend, over ninety years old at the time, his wish was conveyed: that his passing should unite Abonnema and the entire Kalabari Kingdom. Today, that wish stands fulfilled.
For over forty years, divisions existed within the community. Some sections of Abonnema would not associate with others. Today, however, a renewed spirit of unity prevails. We sit together, celebrate together, and enjoy one another once again. This is perhaps one of the greatest testaments to his enduring legacy.
This year’s celebration was further enriched by the participation of cultural groups from across Rivers State. We are deeply grateful for their journey, commitment, artistry, and pride in heritage, qualities that brought life and colour to the event and reflected the very values OB Lulu-Briggs stood for.
In total, over ten cultural groups competed across three categories, contending for prizes of ₦1,000,000 for first place, ₦500,000 for second place, ₦300,000 for third place, and ₦200,000 participation support for each group. These performances were far more than contests; they were powerful expressions of identity, unity, and tradition.
To all participants, supporters, organizers, and well-wishers, thank you for making this celebration memorable, dignified, and worthy of the legacy we gather each year to honour.
May this spirit of unity, excellence, and cultural pride continue to grow from year to year, by the grace of God.