Lulu-Briggs Foundation spends N3.52bn on humanitarian services, marks 25th anniversary

The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation has disclosed that it has spent more than N3.52 billion on humanitarian and community development programmes since its establishment 25 years ago.

The foundation made the disclosure during activities marking its 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The anniversary featured a three-day free medical mission at Rivers State University, a thanksgiving service and the first International Peace Haven Brain Health Conference, which focused on ageing, dignity and the future of elderly care in Nigeria.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration, the foundation’s founder and chairman, Dr Seinye O. B. Lulu-Briggs, said the organisation had directly reached 281,937 people, while its overall reach stood at about 2.12 million.

She said the interventions had covered healthcare, education, elderly care, access to justice, clean water, livelihood support and humanitarian assistance.

The foundation was established in 2001 in memory of her late husband, High Chief O. B. Lulu-Briggs, a businessman and philanthropist whose commitment to supporting vulnerable people inspired the organisation.

According to Lulu-Briggs, the foundation has conducted 50 free medical missions, reaching 171,752 people and providing 1,723 surgeries and specialised screenings. She added that 35,133 eyeglasses had also been distributed.

The foundation’s Care for Life Programme, launched in 2001, has enrolled 781 older persons and provides beneficiaries with medical visits, food supplies and stipends. Some elderly beneficiaries without family support also receive daily caregivers.

At the Biokpo Recreational Centre for the Elderly, the foundation said it had provided 191,345 weekday meals and built 10 homes for older persons.

In education, the foundation said 33,437 people had benefited from its programmes, including 974 Nigerian Law School scholarships and support for 1,634 students preparing for WAEC and JAMB examinations.

It also reported supporting 1,076 people through microcredit, vocational training, entrepreneurship and agricultural assistance.

Its water and sanitation interventions include the provision of boreholes, mono pumps and water purifiers, while access-to-justice programmes have reached 15,350 people, including widows and other vulnerable persons.

The foundation said 1,069 people had received unconditional cash transfers, while 35,700 people were reached through humanitarian assistance.

The anniversary also featured recognition of individuals who contributed to the foundation’s work. Grace John, a staff member, received a long-service award, while Dr Ernest Karibo, the foundation’s pioneer medical volunteer, received a Special Recognition Award.

At the International Peace Haven Brain Health Conference, Lulu-Briggs raised concerns over the challenges Nigeria may face in caring for an ageing population as younger people increasingly move away from their parents.

She said care for older people should extend beyond food, shelter and medical treatment to include memory, emotional wellbeing, social connection, independence and dignity.

She called for collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, caregivers, community leaders, families and older persons to develop better approaches to ageing and brain health.

Lulu-Briggs said the foundation would use its next phase to strengthen existing programmes and build new partnerships to reach more underserved and vulnerable people in Nigeria and beyond.