Port Harcourt, Nigeria — April 24, 2026
Chairman of Platform Petroleum Limited, Opuda Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has called on young lawyers across Nigeria to rise beyond professional ambition and embrace leadership anchored on courage, integrity, and service to society.
Delivering the keynote address at the NBA Young Lawyers Forum @ 20, themed “Rising to Lead,” Lulu-Briggs spoke passionately to a distinguished audience of legal practitioners, emerging professionals, and thought leaders, emphasizing that true leadership is not conferred by titles, but demonstrated through action, sacrifice, and unwavering character.
Drawing from his personal experiences in law, business, and public service, he challenged young lawyers to remain steadfast in defending truth and justice, even when such decisions come with personal risk. Reflecting on a defining moment from his younger years, he illustrated how boldness, sound reasoning, and moral conviction can influence authority and create lasting change. He warned that remaining silent in the face of injustice is not neutrality, but silent approval of wrongdoing.
According to him, lawyers occupy a strategic position as guardians of justice and custodians of societal order, with a duty that extends far beyond the courtroom. He noted that Nigeria’s progress depends not only on intellectual brilliance, but on citizens willing to act with courage and conviction. He therefore urged young legal professionals not to wait for opportunities to lead, but to deliberately step forward and become the change they seek.
Reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and societal advancement, Lulu-Briggs highlighted the establishment of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs ICT Centre, a transformative initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital innovation, positioning them for relevance in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He concluded with a strong message of responsibility and hope, encouraging the next generation of lawyers to lead with purpose, confidence, and a deep sense of service, declaring that the time to rise is now.
The NBA Young Lawyers Forum @ 20 brought together legal professionals from across the country to celebrate two decades of impact, while inspiring a new generation to shape the future of the legal profession and national development.