ForeverMissed
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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.

 

April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
A Teacher of Teachers is gone. You left a legacy and footprints on the sands. Farewell the golden icon and may God comfort the family.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
No news has ever kept me astonished as the news of your death this afternoon. Last time I spoke with you was in U.K. Though slightly I'll, but you were strong. How else can I express my grief? You were a mother to me. While in Nigeria, no week elapses without you asking to see me. I may be young in the profession but you showed special care towards me. I drive your car at will, I visit your residence without invitation and you never fail to return my call if you miss it. You were instrumental to my career success. I'm completely dumbfounded with your demise!

One thing is sure! you are with Angels in heaven singing hallelujah to the most high. You were a devoted Christian, mother of all and a renowned physiotherapist.

Rest in peace Mother!
Till we meet to part no more!
My wife and I, will miss you forever.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
May her zealous soul R.I.P. Amen
Myself and family's privileged to witness and experience you
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
The new of your departure came suddenly. You are blessing to Physiotherapy family. You are gone but the legacy you left with us lives on.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
With heavy heart and sincere sobal reflection the urgly news of Dr Bridget Birabi 's demise came with a great shock to me and my family members, am sure it would be the same with our Physiotherapy colleagues home and abroad. My prayer is for the good Lord to grant the nucleus family, the friends, well wishers and others the fortitude to bear the loss. Let's note that death is the inevitable end of every living soul, the price we would all pay sooner or later. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. From Dr Jogunola Joshua Dele the former Register Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Reg.)Board of Nigeria (MRTB)
April 30, 2016
It's unbelievable that you are gone ma. The last time we saw was during Mrs Amarachi Eze's send off party which you hosted almost 2yrs ago. You were still very strong and I even commended that you look very good. I'm really sad to hear this. Physiotherapy family will miss you. You were a pillar to everyone. We will miss you ma. Rest in the bossom of the Lord. May God grant your family the fortitude to bear the loss.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
Wow!
Pray that the good Lord will comfort your family.
The world of Physiotherapy has lost an angel but heaven has gained one. Rest in His blossom.

Adieu!
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
It took me great time to gather myself as I received the short message from the National President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy about the passing through transition of the Mother of all mothers, the mentor per excellence, Dr(Mrs) Bridget Birabi.
I cleansed my eyes thrice to be sure if I wasn't reading a wrong message that was not meant for me, yea, it was a trumpet shouting, and announcing the passage of this mortal soul personality.
Oh! The screen of my phone got wet with fluids from my tears glands.
My heart quaked, my feet wobbled. I could hold myself not anymore.
Ma, you showed us light practically,
10 repeatitions × 2 you taught me.
Exercise was at your finger tips.
Many I remembered, but many this space can't take in writing.
Safe journey home great Mentor.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
It is with dismay and deep sense of personal loss to hear of the demise of my University of Ibadan (physiotherapy class of 1974-1977) classmate, Dr. Bridget Birabi. Indeed, the physiotherapy communities in Nigeria and in Diaspora have lost a dear friend. Bridget (as she was fondly called by her peers at University of Ibadan (UI), and I never crossed path since we graduated 39 years ago. Yet my memory of her is vivid and picturesque. Bridget was synonymous with glamour and pizzazz. She was one of the three women in our class, whom we called “joy girl” because of her striking elegance and evocative impression of the ‘70s popular joy soap television advertisement in Nigeria. She charted for herself a distinguished professional career and became the President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy. Bridget, I am proud of your earthly achievements. We pray that the Almighty God grant her nuclear family the strength and fortitude to carry-on her stupendous service to humanity. Adieu and rest in peace in the bosom of your creator."

--
Joseph A. Balogun, PT, PhD, FACSM
Distinguished University Professor
College of Health Sciences, BHS 425
Chicago State University
9501 South King Drive
Chicago, IL 60628-1598
Tel: 773-995-3508
Fax: 773-995-4484
E-mail address: JA-Balogun@csu.edu
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
What a great loss to physiotherapy profession. Dr. Birabi was so precious to us in her life time. I can never forget the wonderful role she played during WCPT 2008. Her leadership lifestyle was exemplary. May the Lord comfort our heart.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
Mam,my prayer partner,my mentor, teacher, burden bearer ,instructor,adviser,confidant,inspirer,, 
You left so unexpectedly even you never left a clue of your departure when i was talking with you on the phone a couple of days ago.I remember i sent you a text massage on wednesday the 27th of april telling you the dream i had concerning our healing not knowing that it was your translation. Chaei is this how life is?I know that you are in a beautiful place where there is no pains and sorrow. My prayer is that holy spirit the comforter will comfort your loving husband and children.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
Mam,my prayer partner,my mentor, teacher, burden bearer ,instructor,adviser,confidant,inspirer,, 
You left so unexpectedly even you never left a clue of your departure when i was talking with you on the phone a couple of days ago.I remember i sent you a text massage on wednesday the 27th of april telling you the dream i had concerning your healing and recovering, not knowing that it was your translation. Chaei is this how life is?I know that you are in a beautiful place where there is no pains and sorrow. My prayer is that holy spirit the comforter will comfort your loving husband and children.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
This is a shocking news. May your gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the LORD. The truth is that you continue to live on by your deeds to God and humanity. May God grant the family (including the physiotherapy family) the strength to accept what we cannot change.

Adieu ma.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
Dr. (Mrs) Bridget Birabi, you were an immeasurable treasure, a great Philanthropist and a mother to all. You were a source of inspiration to me and the Profession of Physiotherapy globally. Although you would be missed dearly, I am glad you have printed your name in gold. Rest on Mama, God loves you most!
Anene Chucks (PT.),
Previous student@ University of Maiduguri
April 30, 2016
.......speechless!!!!!,Dr.Birabi!!!!!!!,so energetic,very optimistic physiotherapist,a never say never physiotherapist,a physiotherapist that commands audience,bold like a lion,words will fail me to describe this woman of valour,virtue and epitome of knowledge.One of those that i see, hear and I tell myself......."Lucy there is hope"! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,hmmmmmmmmmm,let me cry,you deserve my tears,Thank you ma! Thank you ma!!,Your shoes are way tooooooooo big,but mummy we will tryyyyyyyyy!!! Your Dream for Physiotherapy in Nigeria WILL NOT DIE!!!Your legacy will LIVE ON!!!!!.I Love you.
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
My heart bleeds, my eyes in tears, with trembling fingers I typed to pay tribute to this great sage, Dr Bridget Birabe. Could it be true? I wish it was a dream. Why now, mummy of all! You left when we need you most. You were an inspiration to all. You came, you saw, you conquered all, but death, and left unexpectedly so soon.All I can say now, just rest in perfect peace Your memory will remain ever green!
April 30, 2016
April 30, 2016
My heart bleeds, my eyes in tears, with trembling fingers I typed to pay tribute to this great sage, Dr Bridget Birabe. Could it be true? I wish it was a dream. Why now, mummy of all! You left when we need you most. You were an inspiration to all. You came, you saw, you conquered all, but death, and left unexpectedly so soon.All I can say now, just rest in perfect peace Your memory will remain ever green!
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Recent Tributes
January 16
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
January 15
Auntie ,
Seven years have gone by just like yesterday. You're always loved and always remembered.
                   Benedicta.
April 29, 2023
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.
Recent stories
February 3
Sister,
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. 
April 29, 2020
Auntie  was many things to many people, she will be forever remembered as our warm and ever caring big sister. We remember her today as always. We thank God for keeping uncle, Naaku, Dimieri and Meesuan.  We will meet at the feet of Jesus.

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