CARDINAL ONAIYEKAN CELEBRATES DUMO LULU-BRIGGS AT 60
The event which gathered multitude of lives in appreciation to God for what He has been using the Vessel unto honour to do in the lives of men here on Earth was indeed glamorous and indicated so much of organic love for him from all and sundry; dignitaries, political associates, business associates, friends and well-wishers alike. In particular were mostly children, elders, widows and the physically challenged.
Though the date has come and gone, but because when a man becomes a blessing beyond being blessed, his coast being enlarged, and utilizes the privilege to the extent of bearing fruits for God and saving lives, then men will also never be tired of appreciating God for such evidence that indeed He still has mankind in mind, using men to do what He would have done if He was physically here.
It is for this reason, the revered God's own general, His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Catholic Church, Abuja, also resolved to seize the opportunity to celebrate Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs in appreciation to God on his 60th anniversary, at the the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Conference Hall, Durumi 1, Abuja; and will further host him to a Gala night Dinner, Today.
During the Mass which was solely for the purpose of celebrating Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the officiating minister who was at Abonnema on that 13th day of June, 2024, confessed how shocked he was seeing how one man can be so loved by such magnitude of people! According to him, it was as though it was a festive period, yet, a birth anniversary celebration of a great soul and a model for generation yet unborn. He added that such a gathering can only be commanded by God, indicating how good the man is. The minister said, he saw Dumo Lulu-Briggs standing on his feet to personally handover gist items to children, the elderly, the physically challenged and widows to so many, until the very last person, to even when the evening came, and then into the night, he still stood gifting, untiring until the last person received his.
The minister again stated, "Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a rare breed sent by God to represent Him here on Earth, an attitude every being must emulate, especially as Christians." He said, "Dumo Lulu-Briggs touch lives, lighting the candle of every life that he comes across, and that is the essence of love for mankind."
He prayed for him, and asked that God will continue to keep him a blessing, protect him and give him the Grace to break greater grounds.
Now, you will recall again that this event was supposed to be a silent one, knowing that it is an event quietly and privately organized by His Eminence Cardinal John Onaiyekan, in Abuja. But, surprisingly, the occasion again attracted unimaginable presence, from many cities; Port Harcourt, Lagos, Calabar, Uyo, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin, FCT, etc, irrespective of the distance. This kind of love for one man can only be God, making Dumo Lulu-Briggs a light that cannot be put under a bushel, sacrificially being celebrated for his good works. One thing you cannot take away from Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs is that, wherever he is, thousands gather, even when that occasion is meant to be silent, it will turn our to be loud.
After the Mass, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs was then ushered to a Gala night/Dinner, as hosted by the Cardinal.
During the dinning and wining, guests were entertained to memorable beautiful activities; Kalabari cultural masquerade display, songs by great musical artists and comedy by notable comedians.
While making his speech, Cardinal John Onaiyekan thanked all for coming, and appreciated God for the gift of life He gave to Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and for making him a vessel of honour used bless mankind. According to him, though Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a Pentecostal and he, a Catholic, but their paths knitted in one accord is indeed a surprise that has become the mystery only God can give explanation to. Yet, he is glad that their paths met, because Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a good soil capable of accommodating Fruitfulness,. He added, "Opuda, Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs remains an Icon in the annals of history."
He said, he became 80 in the month of February, 2024, an age Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs never took with levity, and celebrated him in a Grandstyle here in Abuja. He added that, at that birth anniversary, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs showered him with so much love, specifically honoured him for his works in the house of God, as a Cardinal. According to him, after Dumo Lulu-Briggs honored him with such magnitude of love, he resolved to recompense with a double, and then waited for an opportunity to come. So, when he became 60 on 13th June, 2024, he ceased this opportunity to celebrate him in this manner as witnessed by all Today.
The Cardinal garnished the celebration with a presentation of a picture frame of the both of them, indicating true friendship, to his guest, and the statement on the frame was read to the audience as, "High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, @ 60, your life has been an amazing testament of God's grace, wisdom and blessing to many. May your heart be filled with boundless happiness, good health, joy and peace. Many returns." Courtsey, Cardinal John Onaiyekan foundation for Peace (COFP).
The climax of the event was the presentation of "Papal Impartation" honour, to Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs by Pope father Francis, through His Eminence Cardinal John Onaiyekan, for his magnanimity towards humanity. No doubt, when your giving gets to God like a sweet smelling savor, great men will celebrate you, even Kings will hunger to celebrate you, because Heaven has decided to honour you.
Giving his Vote of thanks, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs thanked everyone for coming, for honouring him in such manner that has humbled him. He confessed that, he thought the event will be a good quiet, silent and in fact a matter of two hours. Especially that, it is in Abuja. But to his amazement, it has taken an entire day, and if allowed may get to two or maybe three days.
He appreciated the Cardinal for his show of love for him, confessing that, such love from a father at 80 plus, is not what you come across dw.everyday, as such, he doesn't and will not take this one for granted.
Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs also thanked God for being recognized by the Pope himself, to the extent of presenting him with a honour. Attributing it to God, Dumo Lulu-Briggs said, he will always pray for God to give him the Grace to do more in giving, that it is his intention to continue living the life of giving, saying, that is his calling, nothing more.
He then prayed for safe journey for all, as they get back to their various destinations, and that God will celebrate them in the everyday, of their lives, as celebration will never diminish in their lives.
In an interview with the press, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs described his arrival at the 6th floor as an amazing journey, and give God all the glory, considering where he is coming to where he is. In is words, "from wanting to being able to give, can only be by the amazing grace of God". Giving that, his father was a truck pusher, a farmer, a police reccuit, an agricultural labourer, and in NPA, as a mere clerk.
When asked what advise he has for Government, seeing that there is so much hardship, yet, as an individual he is doing so much to reduce the excruciating pains on people?
Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs said, "where we are right now is a point where before we look to government, we should also look at what we can do for the next door neighbor. Because this is a very trying time for all Nigerians. If you have a neighbor who is also going through things, and if you have little that you can share with your neighbor, please share. After which, we can make a strong demand to the government, and they will understand. However, this is not the time to apportion blames. Therefore, everyone has a duty to see what he or she can do from his or her corner. Check on your next door neighbor, see what you can do for him or her, and then do it.
On what he thinks the younger ones can do to also be on a comfortable zone as he is, at 60? Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs said:"I think the first thing to do is self reliance. We have many of our young ones that have this entitlement mentality, relying on someone else to do for them. But they easily forget that even if someone does today, they may get tired on the way. So, there is a need for a paradigm shift in our young ones, to be able to believe in themselves and know that they owe themselves to be up and doing, and become independent. Because, they have so much potentials in them, so much unused potentials that can give them more than enough comfort, to the becoming o great and useful lives in the Nigerian society."
Many top government officials, political associates, Clergymen, friends, family and others, graced the event.
Writing on his verified social media handles, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs captured the glorious celebration thus:
I am profoundly grateful to God for the graces that have been bestowed on me by His grace...
On Thursday, 18 July, 2024, I was hosted in celebration of my 60th birth anniversary by the revered Cardinal John Onaiyekan, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, in Abuja.
First and foremost, I am using this medium to say immense thank you to everyone that went out of their way to come celebrate me with their physical presence in Abuja. Who am I for you all to have made such sacrifices in this season that every Nigerian irrespective of status is going through a challenging time, except that you have genuine Love for me! Thank you.
I extend a special heartfelt appreciation to His Holiness, Pope Francis, for his blessings and gift of honour accorded me. Your Papal Impartation will remain an incredible source of strength and inspiration.
My deepest thanks go to Cardinal John Onaiyekan, whose wisdom and unwavering support have been invaluable. Your fatherly love for me is captivating - one I will always hold firmly in my heart. Thank you Cardinal for celebrating me.
To my dear Bishop Martins Uzuokwu of the Minna Diocese, for your steadfast encouragement and blessings, I am grateful.
I am also deeply thankful to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for their cooperation and invaluable support, which have been crucial in driving our initiatives forward.
Special thanks to my friends and and family in the workplace - The Platform Petroleum Management, especially as they always stood by me.
I specially thank my Chiefs that came all the way from Abonnema to witness the grand celebration.
To my dear friends and well-wishers who defied the odds to be with us, your support has been a pillar of strength. Your presence and encouragement completed my celebration.
Thank you.
With deepest gratitude,
Opuda, (Alabo) Dumo Lulu-Briggs
To God be the Glory.
DLB MEDIA.
18/7/2024.
Comments
Post a Comment