Dr Bridget Nwanne Morenike Birabi, (1953 - 2016) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Bridget be with us forever

63 years old
Born on January 15, 1953
Passed away on April 29, 2016

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

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May 3, 2016

sweet aunty B,
I was really shocked at the news last night. I was planning to come to the house this week to share all my good news with you.you were a mother, an encourager, an adviser and a friend to me. you taught me to stand tall in bad times, when I feel the world is about to swallow me, you taught me to say it is well and put up a smile. you were a unique woman, my pains became yours, that you had to personally arranged special consultations for me from Abuja at your facility. you showed me unconditional love.
sweetie, what else can I say?, I love you but God loves you more. Am not asking you to rest in peace because I know you are already resting in His bosom. your Girlie will miss you.
I will always celebrate you, you are one in a million with beautiful hair and a wonderful smiling face.

May 3, 2016

With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God as it is popularly said when a dear friend/relative passes on, the reality before us all is that the Physiotherapy Profession in Nigeria has just lost a visionary, passionate, selfless, erudite and an iconic and elegant leader. Dr. Birabi left and indelible mark on the sand of time, she contributed her own quota to the development of her profession and that nobody can dispute. I personally will never forget how she and her team then laboured so hard to move the Physiotherapists' entry point from GL 09 to 10 in Nigeria. Some of our colleagues who were probably undergraduates or secondary school pupils then are enjoying it today! We will greatly miss your immense and frank contributions during our subsequent conferences. Adieu Dr. Bridget Nwanne Birabi; May the Almighty God grant your biological and professional families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May 3, 2016

This remain a rude shock to us, The nation and our profession has lost a rare gem in your death. As you rest in the Lord, we promise to carry on your good deeds and monumental achievements in the field of Physiotherapy. Dr. Bridget Nwanne Birabi, your loss is irreplaceable. we will miss you, MRTB will miss you. RIP.

May 3, 2016

mama,you mean so much to me as a mentor and a mother with a large heart.You laid the foundation for the transformation we are experiencing now in NSP, we promise to continue from where you stopped .You have fought a good fight the soldier of the Lord.SLEEP ON BELOVED in the bossom of your Father

May 3, 2016

beautiful gray haired smart lady. how come? I touched that hair looking forward to when mine will look like yours.... This news was shocking. God knows it all. shine on, shine on till we meet to part no more.

May 3, 2016

Though you are no more with us, but your legacies will forever remain, especially with your teaming patients who will always give feedback to us "...that woman is too much...." The physiotherapy unit came alive via your expert hands. May your gentle soul rest in Peace, Adieu Dr. B.

May 3, 2016

...peace to the beautiful and precious soul of Mummy Birabi that has left this physical realm of pain and strive for the higher realm where there is joy everlasting...May God grant her family the fortitude to bare the loss...God bless

May 3, 2016

I received the news of your demise with disbelief. You had been on my mind for a while but when I called your line, I was told you travelled! Is this the journey of no return you went on? You were such a caring soul. You loved and served God with every fiber of your being. Rest on in the Lord.

May 3, 2016

The news about your death shocked me Mummy.
I meet you for the first time in Asaba during the 2014 NSP conference and have kept in touch with you since then. Just last month, I sent you happy mothers Sunday wish (which later was not delivered by network) and never know that it will be the last message I will ever send you.

You are one of those persons who inspires me about our profession...
Tears roll my eyes as I write this tribute because you are an Icon that I will forever miss.

RIP is hard to say at a moment like this, but God who called you knows the best.
Rest in the Lord till we meet to part no more Mummy.
Adeu!

May 3, 2016

I still don't know how to take what has happened.
I will always celebrate you.
I love and miss you, Auntie.

May 3, 2016

We of the Shell Health family learnt this morning of the passing of Dr. Bridget Morenike Birabi offered physiotherapy services to our client for many years. Your life was a testimony and source of inspiration to the many that came across you. You will indeed be forever missed

May 3, 2016

" My classmate and my friend 'Omo' as we called ourselves, it is shocking that you have gone so soon. Your vision encouraged us,and helped to strengthen the physiotherapy profession both in Rivers State and nationally. We the remnants of 'Ibadan Class of 1977' will ever miss you."

May 3, 2016

Mummy Birabi as we fondly called you back at Chapel of Ascension where you were widely known as a strict disciplinarian and avid teacher of the Word, I received with rude shock tonight, the news of your passing away. Though I last saw you well over a decade ago, memories of you remain evergreen and will always remain so. Words fail me. RIP and may God give us the enablement to bear this irreparable loss!

May 3, 2016

So sad to learn of the passing to glory of this saint. Dr Birabi was so amiable and gentle. My interaction with her was brief but memorable. She will be surely missed.

May 2, 2016

Though you didnt know me but u were a shining star that I always admired when I saw you right from my school days.Your legacy will continue to leave on.Rest in peace ma

May 2, 2016

It's sad to see Aunty Bridget gone so soon. I remember my regular visits to your office in UPTH with my mum. I admired your inner strength which radiated and your distinguished looks. You will always be remembered with fond memories... Rest well with the Lord.

May 2, 2016

Thank you for teaching as preteens (Samuel's League) in Church. Rest in the arms of Him who loved you. May the God of all comfort, comfort your family. Adieu Aunty.

May 2, 2016

Auntie will be missed, our parts crossed in 1984 and she has been part of my family since then. She gave the toast at my wedding. It hurts so much to even just think one wouldn't be seeing her 'live' again . Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet at the great beyond. She will be missed by my entire family, Nike - my wife , Feyi & Tolu

May 2, 2016

Many things we do not understand, many questions unanswered but God is faithful. I never knew the mama Birabi I saw at Singapore already had a date with death on April 29, 2016. This brings to fore the transient nature of man on the surface of this earth. I am so so sad at the finality in death though I try to stir up joy inside of me because I know that mama Birabi was the beloved of God. Yes, she lived a life of service to her maker and humanity and I know she has been translated from the state of a mere mortal to that of an immortal saint of God. Yes, there is so much joy in heaven over the soul of this beloved of God, mama Bridget Birabi. She did her best in showing forth the praise of her maker. How shall we be remembered when our appointment date with death comes? Indeed, NSP has lost an icon who is now heaven's gain. We need not mourn as those without hope. Let us remember her good deeds and give thanks to God for the grace given her to leave a legacy of honour. Sleep on the beloved of God. The Lord will keep all yours safe and whole for the kingdom, O daaro ma..........

May 2, 2016

I am one of the fortunate believer in Christ Jesus that was taught by mummy during the bible study, school of discipleship class of Chapel of Ascension.I thank God for a principled and straight forward spirit in Mummy Birabi.The body of Christ have lost a galant soldier, a teacher of the bible and a kind hearted child of God. Thank you ma for exibiting humility and teaching us to always focus in heaven as we all know that the world is lost. I am sure that there is joy in heaven as the host of angels Herald your coming home. Rest in the alms of the creator of the heavens an the earth. Adieu.

May 2, 2016

I take solace in the good life you lived. You live in our hearts madam. I will celebrate and not mourn you. Good night Ma. Adieu.

May 2, 2016

With a very heavy heart but with total submission to the utmost will of God, I write this tribute to Dr. Birabi, my Sister, my Mentor and our Mummy, as she was fondly called by some of us. She was one in a million, a passionate lover of Physiotherapy and humanity. She was one woman who lived her life for others, sacrificing for the comfort of everyone who came in contact with her. In fact, I would have written a book on her, not just a tribute to the woman called Dr. Nwanne Bridget Morenike Birabi.
She was not one to deter at the face of challenges, when her mind was set on a goal, and this, of course, was the driving force for all her academic achievements. I remembered when she needed to stay awake all night working on issues concerning NSP., during our conferences and meetings, just to make sure everything turned out well. Yes, she was a stickler for thorough jobs with a strong analytical mind. Don't blame her, she was a thorough bred.- all things must be done decently and in order.
She lived out her Christian faith that same way, standing on the truth of the Word of God even to the end. She was a very organised woman and so her family did not suffer because she needed to attend to issues concerning Physiotherapy. A sound help meet to her husband, a fantastic mother of soldiers who turned out very well, to the glory of God. A true Biblical virtuous woman. How else can I describe my sister.
A lover of her family both nuclear and extended families. She paid attention to them all. She was a Mother-in-Israel in deed. In the church, the story was not different.
She was faithful to friendship. Both the high and the low were treated warmly by her, though some misunderstood her, because she would always call a spade, a spade, not a farming implement. She was very frank and honest in her dealings with people. She was bold as a lion. Wow!! What a wonderful woman of God. I salute her courage.
My Mummy, my Sister, live on in glory, yes I've been weeping, because I miss you but you said to me 'I Held On to The End' after you passed on to glory, and this is my comfort I love you always Mum.
Dr. Nneamaka Abanum

May 2, 2016

I am still in a fix as to Dr Bridget Birabi's demise. My consolation is that she lived a very fulfilled life. She was loved by all and sundry. I can still see video imagery of my encounters with her while alive. I spoke with her on phone just about last week of March, 2016 and I never perceived anything unusual as she never sounded as if something was wrong. She was brave even at death. May God Almighty give the NSP family home and abroad the fortitude to bear the loss. Adieu Dr. Bridget Birabi.

May 2, 2016

A nice lady, a consummate physiotherapist, a good manager of human and resources. She was a workaholic and a role model. Physiotherapy world has really lost a GEM. May her gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord, Good Nite!

May 2, 2016

You were a mother to us, you taught us several songs as teens. You showed personal interest in the lives of so many then in Chapel of the Acension. You lived a life that showed what true Christianity was about. Rest well.

May 2, 2016

I really don't know what to say. I still can't believe you are gone. All my life you've been a part of it positively. I would miss you always. May your soul rest in the perfect peace of the Lord

May 1, 2016

Sad! Sad! Got a mail and needed to be sure which Dabiri it was. Was recently talking about you to a way senior colleague. I always admired you from a distance professionally and physically, especially your pretty long grey hair. You will be missed. Physio community will miss the rare gem you were. I celebrate you ma.... Keeping resting in the bossom of Jesus. Remember to tell him how you saved lives with ur profession. We love you....

May 1, 2016

Again, we are remembered of the mortality of life on earth. The passing on of our beloved Dr. Birabi is another evidence of our mortality as humans. However, we are comforted by the assurance of an eternal life in heaven if we live a good life. Dr. Birabi lived a good life and we pray for the repose of her gentle soul and the gift of eternal life from God. Amen. I pray that her entire family and the physio community will take solace and be comforted by these facts. God bless us all

May 1, 2016

Like lighten the news stroke me, like I was in a bad dream I wanted to wakeup only to realize I wasn't dreaming. Mummy, like I fondly called you have a wonderful sleep till we meet to part no more. You've lited a candle in our hearts that will never burn out, your memories and thoughts will last Ten life time . My inspirations, my mentor, my courage and my role model you left too soon.

May 1, 2016

Rest In Peace Madam. Though I never met you, it is evident from the tributes here that you lived a distinguished life. Goodnight and may God's comfort envelope your family at this difficult time.

May 1, 2016

PROLOGUE:
I am not usually short of words
But I can't really find clarity on how to write
As I listen to some piano chords
Late into the dead of night

To be or not to be
When I received the heartbreaking news
And deep within I could only see
Clear blue skies and frosty white hues

I felt numb and speechless for a while
As flash backs spontaneously begin
Of her presence and endearing smile
Mixed emotions all racing deep within

Even when we think we know
That one day a loved one will be gone
We are never really ready to let go
To face the world at the break of dawn

Dr Birabi was a gem to one and all
An exemplary person with an intellectual mind
In the profession she stood firm and tall
With passion and dedication of a far lasting kind

I will always hold on to memories we share
Even the ones that made me feel blue
For as much as I wish you were still here
I am contented there is finally rest for you

She has gone to a place only filled with love
No pain, no anguish or sorrow nor strife
To be with the Almighty in the heavens above
It is indeed a celebration of a distinguished life

It is a homecoming for an angel of mine
Who impacted the world the best way she could
In many ways her legacy will continue to shine
As well the principles for which she stood

The world will remember her as a whole
For all the things she was able in her time to do
As a warm, kind, generous and gentle soul
A life's lesson for us; me and you
‘

EPILOGUE:
There is still so much left unsaid
And I don't have the right words to conclude this piece
We will continue to cherish your memories instead
Aunty Bridget, dwell in His grace and rest in perfect peace.

May 1, 2016

Even though we ve lost this great woman. the priceless legacy left behind leaves on. Adieu Dr Birabi.

May 1, 2016

You are indeed a rear gem. You will surely be missed. May your gentle sole rest in perfect peace. Amen

May 1, 2016

Death! Why? Mummy, as we mourn your demise, we do so knowing you've seen all and conquered all, heaven has gained one more soul.

May 1, 2016

Nwanne my beloved, death has taken you awayo from this world but not from our hearts. Since we met in the mid seventies you have been a sister, mother, then grandmother to us especially Ben, the children and many others. We fondly remember and retain your good deeds in our hearts till our dying days. You are a saint and rightfully in the presence of the Almighty God. We pray through thy mercy oh Lord that your soul rest in peace. Amen.

May 1, 2016

To my Aunt with a huge smile. I still can't come to terms with your departure... don't think I ever will. You had deep compassion and expressed your love fiercely. Your beautiful heart shone all around even from your golden hair. You were a strong woman in your essence, practical, moral and spiritual. Now you're gone, that joy, looking forward to see you every Sunday slowly quenches. I love you even in death.

May 1, 2016

“The news of your eventual demise left me in a situation I have never found myself, I felt totally empty and completely unable to make a word for some couple of minutes, despite the fact that I was in the picture of your last weeks of your struggle with death. You were such an amazing person to relate and be with, you were an inspiration, a motivator, a selfless and true leader, pathfinder, lover of physiotherapy, an icon; a true believer in God; I honestly can’t describe you enough. Serving under you as the NSP PRO & Editor of Physionews was a great experience I will never forget. It kept my relationship strong with you till some days before you passed when you could no long speak with me again. I however take solace in the hope that you have gone to rest in the Lord’s bossom. I will miss you so dearly Dr. Bridget Nwanne Birabi. Your footprints and good deeds to humanity and physiotherapy profession home and abroad live on. Good night ma”.

May 1, 2016

I will remember Aunty Bridget as a strong, enterprising woman. Constantly applying herself, she had a passion for her craft and for her faith - a role-model for young women. It's a sad, terrible thing, her early departure. I pray strength for the family and friends she leaves behind.

Rest peacefully Aunty.

April 30, 2016

With heavy hearts, we celebrate today, the life of Dr. Bridget Nwanne Morenike Birabi. She was a great leader and mentor to many in the physiotherapy profession around the world. She is surely missed.

April 30, 2016

The news of your departure caught
me unaware and it is heartbreaking
to me; Dr (Mrs) Bridget Birabi
I can't forget how you affected my
professional life positively within the
space of little time that I worked with
you.
You took me as your daughter and
the decision I made with your
motherly counsel would forever be
golden to me. You stood by me
when I was battling with serious life
decision.
You're indeed a blessing to this
nation and my great profession, WE
LOVE YOU BUT JESUS LOVES YOU
MORE.
REST ON Dr (Mrs) BRIDGET BIRABI

April 30, 2016

Though saddened by your passing onto greater glory, we take solace in the great works of your hand which are reflected in the lives of many and the Physiotherapy profession. You are gone but the legacy you left with us lives on. RIP

April 30, 2016

The news of your passing on to glory is a shock to me. Dr Birabi was a woman whose name can never be forgotten in Physiotherapy in Nigeria. I remember vividly how Dr Birabi stepped in to mediate in a crisis at my workplace even though she was not the NSP president again at the time. Such is the quality of Dr Bridget Birabi, such is the quality of a great leader and an elder. You will surely be missed. Rest in peace.

April 30, 2016

I will miss you mummy. I will miss your advise and encouragement. You made me to see Physiotherapy from a true angle. You taught me to hold my head high and tell the whoever cares to hear, that I am a Physiotherapist and that Physiotherapy is a profession to be proud of. You proved the slogan that what men can do, women can do better. You are an icon,a heroine, a go getter. NSP will miss your graceful presence in our annual conferences from now onwards. You will be greatly missed. Your legacy will always speak for you. You will always be read in the history of Physiotherapy in Nigeria. Goodnight Mummy, Dr. Bridget Birabi.

April 30, 2016

I actually thought it could be a mistake when I received the sms on the demise of one of our great icons in the profession of physiotherapy, Dr BNM Birabi, I quickly put a call across to the incumbent president of NSP who confirmed the ugly news, then I believed. Mama, you're one of the inspirations for excellence in this profession. You came, you saw, you joined, you led and you passed the mantle on. The memory of your days with us will never fade. We will keep in remembrance forever, those milestones you achieved and you made some others to achieve too. May God almighty accept your soul in His bosom and grant you eternal rest.

April 30, 2016

The news of your death came as s shocker! It was hard to believe, truly you've left a big vaccum that will take us a while to fill up. Our consolation is in the fact that "to be absent in the body is to be present with the lord". Sleep on Matriarch of physiotherapy!

April 30, 2016

We love you but God loves you more. You an exemplary mother, mentor and role model to me. Will cherish your values forever.

April 30, 2016

I am not usually short for words, but words fail me now...I remember how we discuss both on the professional and family front. You have always been convinced that we all have what can give us leverage to take our profession to the pinnacle of its best. How there is so much to still be done and waiting to be done. I know that you have gone to rest in the bossom of God almighty..Till we meet again Aunty Bridget. We love you but God love's you more...

April 30, 2016

A Teacher of Teachers is gone. You left a legacy and footprints in the sands of time. Rest in peace the golden icon. May God comfort your family.

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Recent Tributes

January 16

Happy posthumous birthday my Mummy, sister and mentor. You would have been 71yrs yesterday. I'd forever celebrate you. You know why? You were very special and forever will be. Sleep on sweet sister, you're in a better place though I miss you very much. ❤️❤️

January 15

Auntie ,
Seven years have gone by just like yesterday. You're always loved and always remembered.
Benedicta.

April 29, 2023

7 Years today you rested from all life's toils. It's just like yesterday, but to die is to live forever in the hearts of your loved ones. I visited the house and your absence was very palpable but i consoled myself with the fact that you're in a better place. Sleep on sweet Sister, Mother, and Mentor. I love always and the memories of you will be sweet always . Sleep on Ma.

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