Preamble
When I was contacted by Professor Ngozi Orazulike of University of Port Harcourt, to deliver the 2025 Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture, I was pleasantly surprised, but began to wonder – why me? It was then I realized that I had known Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs since 1978, when I was a medical student and he was a Senior Lecturer/Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. I vividly recall that he was a fair, dutiful and dedicated clinician and teacher who devoted significant time his students.
Our paths crossed again when he was appointed Chairman of the National Hospital Abuja Management Board, while I was the second in command to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olusegun Ajuwon. At the time, I served as the Director of Clinical Services / Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee. This period left me with strong and fond memories of Professor Briggs’ fairness, patience and exceptional abilities – qualities that extended well beyond his widely acknowledged expertise as a medical lecturer and Obstetrician-Gynaecologist.
As if Thad any choice of saying no, I then received a call from my friend and brother, Professor John Ikimalo, who had, over many years, spoken well of his close relationship with and deep respect for Professor Briggs. We attended Professor Briggs’ internment together at Abenoma. May Professor Briggs soul rest in perfect peace.
When asked to choose a topic for this lecture, my mind immediately turned to longevity, not because Professor Briggs didn’t live long enough (he did, and we thank God for that), but because of the ongoing discussions surrounding supplements, disease prevention and other factors people consider for prolonging life. I wondered whether many truly understood the fundamentals of longevity.
Many people would expect that me, as Dr, Ibrahim Wada, that has been privileged to observe life from its very inception in a dish, through pregnancy, childbirth and the transition into terrestrial existence, would approach the topic of longevity differently.
I hope that both the people who listen to this lecture and the teaders of this text will appreciate my fresh perspective on life and that this will help them reflect on their own longevity, that of their progeny and the well-being of world around them
In the words of Prof Joseph Ajienka, 7th Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs was a wise man, an outstanding leader, distinguished scholar, great mentor and seasoned university administrator.