This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dr Bridget Nwanne Morenike Birabi, 63 years old, born on January 15, 1953 and passed away on April 29, 2016. She was the first female president of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (2004-2008). We will remember her forever for the dynamic leadership and direction she provided for the profession of Physiotherapy in Nigeria and beyond.
Dr Bridget Nwanne Morenike Birabi was born in Ile-ife, Osun State on January 15,1953 to the Okonkwo family of Asaba, Delta state and Ojutiku family of Ile-ife, Osun state. She began her educational journey at Convent School, Sapele and later attended Marymount Catholic College , Agbor, Delta State for her secondary education. She attended the Federal School of Science, Lagos for her A-levels soon after she was admitted into the Bsc Physiotherapy Program at the prestigious University of Ibadan where she graduated with Honours in 1977.
She went further to bag a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology at the same University in 1987. Dr Birabi was very passionate about continuous self and professional development and has attended numerous courses and conferences regionally and internationally. She has a postgraduate certificate in Health Planning and Management at the University of Ilorin in 1991 and attained an additional Phd Degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Ibadan. She was a seasoned professional and was HOD General Hospital, Portharcourt in 1983 and rose through the ranks at the University of Portharcourt Teaching Hospital between 1983-1994. She voluntarily retired from service in 1994 and has served as consultant/visiting lecturer to numerous physiotherapy facilities and training schools including University of Maiduguri and University of Nigeria. She set up her private practice EZELTHERAPY in Portharcourt to cater for the needs of the populace. She has always dedicated her life to service and served as board member of Rivers State Hospitals Management Board, Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board, World Confederation of Physical Therapy Pre and Post Congress, Review Committee, WCPT Awards Committee etc. She served as the first female President of the Nigeria Society from 2004-2008 and achieved landmark projects and visibility for the profession.
She was a member of an array of professional organizations including the Health and Care Professional Council in UK, Internationals Council for Health Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance, USA, World Confederation for Physical Therapy. She is an educator and researcher with numerous award winning publications in peer reviewed journals and papers presented at national and international conferences. She was a fellow of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy. She has also received numerous awards for meritorious service and excellence. She is multi-lingual and speaks Ibo, Yoruba and English very fluently. She is a devout Christian, a loving wife to her husband Senator Dr Bennett Birabi, a devoted mother to her three sons Naakuu, Dimieari and Meesuan and a caring grandmother.
Tributes
Leave a tributeSeven years have gone by just like yesterday. You're always loved and always remembered.
Benedicta.
I didn't know you as well as I would have wanted to due to geography, but I have always greatly admired your strength, your courage, and your dedication to both the Lord and to your family. You left this earth right as my dad did, and I pray that you are keeping one another company in heaven as you wait for us to join you. You will be forever missed. I've been checking in with your boys since you left and they're all doing well. I know you loved them to distraction.
I can't believe it's been 7 years gone by. A lot has happened in that time. I am happy to inform you that I graduated with my Ph.D. last year. I remember when we first spoke about my wanting to embark on this journey in 2015, you told me that I could do it and I should. Thank you for always inspiring me and being one of my biggest cheerleaders.
Thank you very much for everything you did for me on and off the field and I hope to continue to carry on your impeccable legacy.
Love now and always,
Your neice
Dr, Bakare Ummukulthoum
My solace and comfort is that both of yoi are resting in the bossom the Lord.
Rest on my darling sister, my Mummy, my mentor, and special cheer leader. I will forever love you, sisterm, ezigbo mmadu.
I was at home on Easter Monday and I saw the emptiness of life. I fought back the tears just to make it easy on everyone. It is well.
I am comforted because I know we will meet again. Sleep on my darling sister, my Mummy my mentor. You're forever in our minds and I will forever love you Mum.
continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet and part no more.
Dr. Mba Chinasa
It doesn't get any easier as time goes by. I miss you deeply
Thank you for all you stood for.
Lest, i forget, they just handed over all the PT equipment in your clinic to me today. What a beautiful way to always remember you. To die is to live in the hearts of those you love and I am one of them. We miss you very much.
Sleep on Mum.
I miss you so much Aunty
Thank God for the opportunity to be part of your family.
Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord
I think of you
and very often too
There is still alot unsaid
and undone
May your gentle soul rest in His eternal Grace
Her commitment to the things of the Lord and support of the Church were exemplary.
And all crowned by the gentle smile and mien.
May her soul continue to rest with the Lord.
A lil note to remember you on this day
Not just because you are one I can forget
For there is still a lot I wish to say
We know you are in a heavenly space
Even though we would want you here still
But you are with all the goodwill and God's grace
And your strong presence we still feel
There is so much I need to tell you
Many of which we spoken of in between
In most of the things that I have gotten to do
Your conviction of where I should have been
I am stronger because of your faith
I am wiser because of your zeal
Moving forward to pursue the path of fate
With the good Lord's divine seal
Thank you so much for all you have been
I am glad you are a part of my life
To always make the grass feel green
Till we meet again in the afterlife
@Bakare Ummukulthoum 15/01/2018
Leave a Tribute
Seven years have gone by just like yesterday. You're always loved and always remembered.
Benedicta.
Femi Kehinde
How much i was reminded today of your absence. It is Meesuan's traditional marriage, beautiful outing but your presence would have added some more beautiful colours to it all. But it is well.
Rest on Mum.