Late Briggs: We Lost An Academic Iroko – Gov. Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the death of the late Prof. Nimisoere Dimkpa Briggs as a huge loss to Nigeria and the Ijaw nation in particular.

He said the late scholar was an Academic Iroko whose passing has created a yawning gap in the pantheon of the Ijaw ethnic group and Nigeria’s academic greats.

Prof. Briggs, who died on Monday at the age of 79, was Emeritus Professor of Medicine, former Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Pro Chancellor, Federal University, Abakaliki and the Bayelsa Medical University as well as Chairman, Committee of Pro Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

Governor Diri said the Kalabari-born academic, who hails from Abonnema in Rivers State, impacted and inspired a generation and countless others with his outstanding record of achievements.

While commiserating with his family, the Kalabari people and the academic community, the Bayelsa helmsman noted that Prof. Briggs’ wise counsel, candour, dedication and commitment to service of Nigeria and humanity will be greatly missed.

“The news of Prof. Briggs death was shocking and sad. The Ijaw nation and indeed Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant and academic Iroko.

“Prof. Briggs served our country and the academic community with commendable dedication and commitment. His wise counsel and candour were the hallmark of a man of service. We will all miss his humility and affable nature,” Diri said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday.

Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, prayed God to comfort the family and grant them the grace to bear the loss.