It was a day of an outpour of encomiums as the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital organised A Day of Tribute to highlight ‘The Life and Times’ of Late Emeritus Professor Nimisoere Dimkpa Briggs.
The Day of Tribute which held at the hospital’s auditorium attracted distinguished Professors, colleagues (Doctors), clinicians, friends, family from the hospital and university community.
The current head of department, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor Rosemary Ogu, while formally welcoming guest, describe the Emeritus Professor N.D. Briggs as “a teacher of teachers, the best at all he did, a humble man and one who is only best described as a genius.”
The event featured sessions of hymnal, bible reading and exhortation led by Dr Somiari Harcourt from the hospital’s chaplaincy.
The Life and Times of Professor Nimisoere Dimkpa Briggs (a concise biography) was delivered by Professor Chris Akani, who said Professor N.D. Briggs ” has made lasting exploits in the department and laid the solid foundation on which the department stood strong till date.”
His friends among whom were Professor C.T. John gave an insight on the bond of friendship shared and how much of a family man he was and the impact made from the early years of the University.
Tributes from the University of Port Harcourt Medical Student Association(PUMSA), UPTH Chapter President, Association of Resident Doctors(ARD),
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria(MDCAN), local and international mentees collaborated on the sterling qualities of the deceased, whom they believe still lives on, given his Impact.
The climax of the event was the delivery of a short tribute from the Chief Medical Director, Professor Henry A.A. Ugboma, who also, is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the CMD said Emeritus Professor N.D. Briggs was “too big, so big..a man that he came did his job and did it extremely well.” Professor Ugboma advised everyone to emulate the good life, because late professor briggs lived a fulfilled life, and that’s why God had taken him home.
Late Emeritus Professor Nimisoere Dimkpa Briggs was born on February 22-1944, and passed on April 10- 2023, at the age of 79.
He was the fifth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and the Pioneer/Foundational head of Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the hospital (UNIPORT, &UPTH). He served in different capacities local, national, and internationally , especially at human capacity development, in the medical profession and particularly in the advancement of obstetrics and gynecology, his primary area of discipline.
