Former NSP President, Dr. Bridget Birabi passes on

DR. (MRS.) NWANNE BRIDGET BIRABI (B. SC. [PT], P.G.D., M. Ed., Ph. D., MNSP, FNSP)- RENOWNED NIGERIAN PHYSIOTHERAPIST (1953-2016)

The President and governing Council of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) with heavy hearts, but with submission to the will of the Almighty God, wish to formally announce the demise of a former President of the Society and our beloved mother in the Physiotherapy profession, here in Nigeria and abroad, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwanne Bridget Birabi. She passed on in Lagos to join the saints above on the 29th of April, 2016. 

Early Life: 
Dr. Birabi was born in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, January 15, 1953. Dr. (Mrs.) N.B. Birabi began her education (Primary) at Convent school, Sapele, Delta state. She later proceeded to Marymount Catholic College, Agbor, Delta State for Secondary School education. She later enrolled and made A-level at Federal School of Science, Lagos.

Career: 
She qualified as a physiotherapist from University of Ibadan, B. Sc. Physiotherapy, (1977). Masters Degree in Exercise physiology at University of Ibadan, M. Ed. (1987). Later, she did a Post Graduate Certificate course in Health Planning and Management at the University of Ilorin (1991) and further was obtained PhD in Exercise Physiology, at University of Ibadan (2000).

She had numerous exposures in physiotherapy practice, worked at so many institutions: Physiotherapist in charge and HOD, General Hospital, Port-Harcourt 1983; Principal, Chief and HOD Physiotherapy Dept., University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (1983-94) till her voluntary retirement in 1994; Visiting lecturer, Dept. of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Maiduguri (2006-07); Visiting lecturer, Dept. of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria (2007-08); Visiting resource personnel, Dept. of Physiotherapy, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (2009 till 2016); National President Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (2004-08). Physiotherapy Consultant and Director, Ezeltherapy, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria (private practice); Medical Consultant, GTMH Off-Shore Clinic, Belema Hilton; Consultant Physiotherapist Shell Petroleum Development Company (2004 till date). Member of British Health Professional Council, UK; Member of International Council for Health Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance, USA; Member of National Association of Sports Science and Medicine, Nigeria; Member and former President (2004-08), Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy; Fellow of Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (Awarded 2001); Membership of: Rivers State Hospital Management Board (1995-96); University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu Management Board (1993-94); Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria (2004-08); WCPT Pre and Post Congress Courses review committee (2015).

She was an erudite scholar and had numerous award winning publications in peer reviewed journals and research papers presented at national and international conferences. Regular reviewer of articles for two international journals. Formerly, a Chair of NSP education committee. She received numerous awards and was a member of the World Confederation for Physiotherapy (WCPT) Award Committee.
 

In the words of the current NSP President, Taiwo Oyewumi "She was a mentor, pragmatic leader, strategist, educator, researcher, clinician par excellence  and an intellectual giant. She loved Physiotherapy profession with passion and did everything within her capacity to raise the profile of the profession in Nigeria and the world at large. Her exit is a colossal loss to Physiotherapy community in Nigeria and the world. She has left a big vacuum behind." 

The umbrella body for Physiotherapy organizations in Africa, through the Chair, Jonathan Quartey, eulogised the great amazon. He wrote, "It was with great shock when I heard about the demise of Dr. Bridget Birabi. I am personally lost for words because she is someone I know and have known personally. Her passion for physiotherapy in Nigeria and abroad was well detailed. On behalf of WCPTA Executive and the Africa Region I wish to express our deepest condolences to the immediate family, NSP and physiotherapy at large. May her soul rest in peace." 

She could speak English, Ibo, and Yoruba fluently. Her hobbies included studying and evangelism. She was married to Sen. Dr. Benneth Birabi - former Senator Federal Republic of Nigeria (1992-93) and the marriage was blessed with three (3) sons Naakuu, Dimieri and Meesuan.

Funeral Arrangements for Dr. Bridget Nwanne Morenike Birabi

Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, 19 May 2016, 5.00pm

Service of Songs

Christ Church

No 1 Forces Avenue

Old GRA, Port-Harcourt

Rivers State

Friday 20th May, 2016, 9:00am

Commendation Service

Christ Church

No 1 Forces Avenue

Old GRA, Port-Harcourt

Rivers State

Motorcade Procession to Interment Venue

From Port-Harcourt to the Village

Interment follows immediately at The Village

Dr. N.B. Birabi:

A mother of physiotherapy in Nigeria and excellent teacher is gone. May her gentle soul rest in peace.