Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said that the news of the death of former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Nimi Briggs, came to him as a shock.
The governor described the late emeritus Professor as a “symbol of commitment and dedication to the medical profession.”
Wike said the death of the renowned professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, who once served as chairman of both Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and Rivers State Economic Advisory Council, was a sad moment for the government and people of Rivers State.
Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, noted that Briggs was not only an exceptional obstetrics and gynaecology teacher, but also an astute administrator, who was committed to the common good of humanity.
The governor, while acknowledging the immense contributions of Briggs while he served in RSIEC and the Rivers State Economic Advisory Council, stressed that his passion, vision, and relentless pursuit of better and progressive Rivers State will remain a source of inspiration to generations to come.
He said: “I am very shocked and sad to hear that Briggs has passed on. He was indeed symbol of commitment and dedication to the medical profession, our dear Rivers State and the nation. His contributions to public health and service were immeasurable.
“As the Vice Chancellor of the foremost University of Port Harcourt, Briggs demonstrated that he was absolutely visionary because he worked tirelessly to promote academic excellence and infrastructural transformation of the institution.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I wish to express my profound condolences to Prof Briggs’ wife, his children, extended family, and friends. I pray God to grant you all the fortitude to bear this devastating loss.”
