Health Commissioner Hails Late Prof. Briggs

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has commended the contributions of late Prof. Nimi Briggs to humanity particularly in the field of medical practice.
Dr. Oreh was speaking at the University of Port Harcourt during a book launch and memorial lecture to mark the 80th posthumous birthday of Briggs, a former vice chancellor of UNIPORT.
The commissioner said Prof. Briggs during his time ensured that people lived healthy lives as well as trained many medical doctors in Nigeria and around the world. “Therefore, we need to emulate him, especially young doctors.”
The book reviewer, Prof. Chinedu Nwajuba, said that late Prof. Briggs was a symbol of academic excellence and innovation. He described late Prof. Briggs as a human being with good character.
While unveiling the book, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, HRM King Disreal Bob-Manuel said that the book of over 460 pages is a veritable material for the society, noting that the purpose of the book is to sustain the legacies of Prof. Briggs.
King Bob-Manuel said, “When you are looking for somebody who has credibility and character, late Prof. Briggs was one. In fact, when you call on late Prof. Briggs he will relieve you of your burden.” The convener, Prof. Johnny Kimalu said, “Late Prof. Briggs was a teacher and a mentor to so many of us. He was an excellent leader and an administrator par excellence. He was prudent with time and prompt to activities and events.
“There is no establishment he headed that he did not deliver; and people held him in high esteem. Late Prof. Briggs worked hard night and day for the sake of humanity. And he never allowed anybody to cheat the government of varsity.”
Our correspondent reports that during the book unveiling, King Bob-Manuel who performed the unveiling of the book invited many Kalabari’s monarchs and chiefs but failed to invite the paramount ruler/Nye we li of Choba, HRH Eze Raymond Webilor Okocha to the stage to join in the unveiling.
Shortly after the unveiling of the book and the luncheon, the paramount ruler of Choba, Ezeokocha walked out on the organisers and the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Georgewill Owunari.
The late Prof. Briggs’ administration as the vice Chancellor had a smooth relationship with the host community.