Words cannot express how bereft I feel after dear Bridget's death. Although latterly separated by many miles we continued to uphold each other through the joys and sorrows of our lives.
Many tributes will be paid to her massive contribution to Nigeria's youth in her life's work as an educationist. Her early education in the missionary school environment of the 1940s and 1950s had a profound effect on her character as she imbibed the values of her dedicated teachers
I knew her as a steadfast friend, always ready to listen and share her wisdom and insights. I recall the many ceremonies we attended together with Bridget always immaculately dressed and enlivening the occasion with the warmth of her personality..
"For good times and for bad times I'll be on your side for evermore. That's what friends are for"
RIP dearest friend.
Margaret Sheldrick
Cheltenham, UK
Auntie Bridget was a star whose bright light lit up our lives. And now she shines on from heaven where she belongs. Success followed her earthly sojourn and she left us a wonderful legacy of countless achievements. Wise, caring and ever thoughtful in her words and deeds, her memory will live on in us. I feel blessed we were able to speak last Christmas. We love you and thank God for your life Auntie Bridget, Adieu.
Tetem Feyi-Waboso
Lagos, Nigeria
☆ My memories of Aunty Bridget date back to when I was a child hanging out at her family home which was about a fifteen minute walk from ours. I was always made to feel welcome and she was and remained keen to know how I was getting on.
Laterly, on Aunty Bridget's last couple of UK visits, we were fortunate enough to spend time with her and on one occasion, be part of a surprise birthday party. She was in such high spirits having just returned from a cruise, looking beautiful in her turquoise trouser suit, dancing away to Ogechi Ka Mma and Sweet Mother and reminiscing with my Mum.
Aunty Bridget was a dear friend to my Mum and their friendship was one that endured the passage of time, despite the separation of distance. Aunty Bridget's faith, inner strength, passion for life and resilience were truly admirable and will remain an inspiration.
Rest in Peace, Aunty Bridget, you will be sorely missed but your memory lives on. ☆
Nnenna (Feyi-Waboso) Cass
United Kingdom
My Aunty Bridget
Aunty Bridget was sleek, stylish and full of love and hope. A generous and loyal aunty, friend and mentor to many.
She exemplified what a woman in the Nigerian society should aim for - hardworking, educated, ambitious and family loving. She was always proud of her family in particular Ihuoma, Emeka, late Nma and all her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Each of her many achievements pointed to her sterling qualities. I recall when she celebrated the Silver Jubilee of her school in May 2023. That was one of the proudest days of her life. The picture of her dancing in the school hall taking in the magical moment was amazing. The celebration of this lifelong goal in the presence of staff, students, parents and invited guests was a crowning achievement for which she will always be remembered. May the new generation take up the mantle, this is the medicine that Nigeria needs.
The future are the children and what greater legacy than what she started.
Adieu Aunty Bridget, till we all meet again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Andrew Feyi-Waboso
United Kingdom
This is a heartfelt tribute to Lady Bridget Nwankwo. It has been crafted to honour her legacy and contributions.
We gather in spirit and words to celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman, Lady Bridget Nwankwo.
She was a beacon of dedication, resilience and service to her community. Though the full breadth of her story may not be known to all, the echoes of her impact resound through the lives she touched, the institutions she nurtured and the ideals she upheld.
Lady Bridget Nwankwo was more than a name. She was a force of purpose in the bustling city of Aba, a place known for its industrial spirit and vibrant culture.
She had been a prominent and successful Commissioner in the former Imo State. She made her mark then and her legacy of achievements at that time still ring and will ring forever.
She later founded St Bridget's school where she stood as a pillar of education, championing the course of learning at a time when it was not merely a privilege but a battle to be won.
Her leadership during the school's 35th anniversary and homecoming in 2023 revealed a woman deeply committed to the future of her students and the integrity of her institution.
When challenges arose, she was ready for them and overcame them.
Her advocacy was not just for her school, but for every child in the Aba whose dreams hung in the balance.
Many students have passed through her and became successful people in society, including doctors, lawyers, engineers and prominent businessmen.
Her work was a testament to her character, a thoroughbred educationist. Lady Bridget's educational concepts were not mere theories.
They were lived experiences woven into the fabric of her school and the lives that passed through their gates.
She molded character, upheld uncompromising standards and inspired a generation to rise above adversity. She was a beacon of educational development in Abia State, Nigeria.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Lady Bridget was a woman of great beauty, class, grace and strength, a figure whose presence commanded admiration .
Where resilience is a way of life, she embodied the spirit of perseverance, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Her legacy is not confined to the walls of St. Bridget's School. It lives on in the students who carry her lessons forward, in the community that felt her influence, and in the quiet dignity she brought to every task she undertook.
As we reflect on her life, we are reminded that the true greatness lies not in the loudness of one's voice, but in the depth of one's impact.
We think of her family and friends.
She has been a lifelong friend and pillar of support to my mother, Margaret, who will deeply miss her.
Lady Bridget Nwankwo may have walked amongst us as a humble servant of education and community, but she leaves behind a towering legacy that time cannot erase.
To her family, her students, and all those who knew her, we offer our gratitude for sharing her light with the world.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her name forever be a blessing.
Adieu!
Professor Paul Feyi- Waboso
Aba, Nigeria
Tribute to Lady Bridget Nwankwo
Oh, Lady B—beautiful, strong, and full of grace.
You were radiant at your book launch last year, and I had no idea it would be one of your final public moments with us.
I always marvelled at the way you would ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” each time we met. You were truly generous and deeply thoughtful.
Nma’s passing hit you hard, but you pressed on with quiet strength. You loved those flowers, didn’t you? Oluchi Uduku had worked her magic all the way from London.
Thank you for your care and support when I was unwell. You were so concerned, and it meant a great deal.
Thank you for showing us that it’s never too late to create, to write, and to share our stories—publishing your book on the eve of your 90th birthday gave hope to many of us still holding on to unfinished drafts.
We love you. We miss you.
Jee nke oma.
Chu-Nwosu Obie
A TRIBUTE TO LADY BRIDGET NWANKWO FROM DR (MRS) MAUREEN AGHUKWA, THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS ABIA STATE
From my Aunty Bridget, you became my mum after I lost my mother in 2019. You came strongly behind me in all I did and played the mother role in my life very well. Thank you very much mum.
I looked up to you so much and admired your great personality. I always told you that I will like to be like you when I grow up and it came true mum!
I became a Commissioner in Abia State following after your footsteps. You were a Commissioner for Health and for Education in Imo State and you played your role well!
Mum, I will try to play my own role as a Commissioner well, I will not disappoint you
Mum, you were a disciplined woman, you did everything at the right time. I will miss your perfect speeches in the English language! I will miss seeing you take your daily walks which you carried out with so much vigor.
I can go on and on in this tribute but I will not be able to capture all my moments with you. I will miss our discussions each time I visited with you, they were special moments. I am glad I had the opportunity to have those moments with you, they will live forever in my heart.
You will be sorely missed mum, I look forward to seeing you again on the resurrection morning.
Adieu Mum,
Your daughter,
Dr. (Mrs.) Maureen Aghukwa
