By Davies Iheamnachor
The business mogul and philanthropist, Opuda (Alabo) Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has bagged the prestigious Lifetime African Achievement Award by the Millennium Excellence Foundation.
Lulu-Briggs, who is the Iniikeiroari VI of Kalabari and Paramount Head of Oruwari Briggs House of Abonnema, Rivers State, got the award in recognition of his leadership, service, and contributions to African unity and development.
Lulu-Briggs, who was presented with the Lifetime African Achievement Award in Traditional Leadership and Business Excellence at an event marking the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation in Kumasi, Ghana, said the award has empowered him to do more in community development and philanthropy.
In the event other notable Nigerians were also recognized including, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, who received the Global Intra-Africa Trade Excellence Award; Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, honored for Governance and Public Service and Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, recognized for Excellence in Business.
The Opuda, in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State after the event in Ghana, said he considers the award as the greatest honour done to him, adding that he is proud that the recognition came not only for business success, but for his roles in traditional leadership.
Lulu-Briggs said: “On the 10th of May, 2025, I stood humbled and deeply honoured in the historic city of Kumasi, Ghana, to receive the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize, a recognition that I consider one of the greatest honours of my life.
“To be counted among Africa’s most distinguished sons and daughters is not only a personal achievement but a testament to the grace of God, the support of my people, and the resilience of the communities I serve.
“I am especially proud that this recognition comes not only for business success, but for my roles in traditional leadership, community development, and philanthropy, which remain the beating heart of my mission.
“I dedicate this honour to my business partners, Kalabari people, the Oruwari Briggs House, and to every African who rises each day with the courage to lead, serve, and uplift others.”
It is worthy of note that past laureates of the Lifetime Africa Achievement Award, included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Professor Wole Soyinka, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim, amongst other notable Africans.