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.
