Professional Nurse | Midwife | Girl‑Child Advocate
Christiana Virginia Koripamo, fondly called Mama, was a pioneer nurse and midwife whose hands delivered over a thousand babies across Eastern Nigeria and Rivers State. A staunch Anglican and fearless advocate for women and girls, she combined compassion with discipline, leaving a legacy of healthcare, empowerment, and faith that spanned more than a century.
Early Life and Family
Mama attended St. Barnabas School, Twon-Brass, from 1919 to 1928, excelling in her studies. Her guardian, Rev. Mark Lele, moved her to St. Monica’s Girls School, Ogbunike, Anambra State, where she completed her primary education in 1930. The school’s program included preparatory training for marital life, where she learned needlework, sewing, cookery, laundry, and confectionery, later adding baking.
She trained at the reputable Iyi-Enu Anglican Mission Hospital from 1931 to 1933, qualifying as a nurse/midwife. The School of Midwifery had only five girls enrolled initially, with two expatriate female doctors and four expatriate nursing sisters instilling discipline, honesty, humility, and service. Mama excelled academically, earning the top spot in the National Midwives Board Register.
Education and Training
Christiana studied at St. Barnabas School, Twon‑Brass (1919–1928), then at St. Monica’s Girls School, Ogbunike, completing her primary education in 1930. She trained at the Iyi‑Enu Anglican Mission Hospital (1931–1933), qualifying as a nurse/midwife and becoming the first name in the National Midwives Board Register. Her training instilled discipline, humility, and service — values she carried throughout her career.
Career and Service
She opened her first maternity home in Kaiama (1933–1936), delivering babies including future heroes Major Isaac Adaka Boro and Captain George Amangala. She fought cultural practices like female circumcision and prejudice against twins, ushering in a new dawn of maternal health.
In 1972, at age 61, she founded the Irigha Maternity Home, Port Harcourt, which operated for over 20 years. It became a beacon of maternal care, serving all strata of society. Through it, she championed girl‑child education, family planning, and women’s rights, while combating domestic abuse and gender bias.
Family Life
Christiana married Rowland James Erasmus Koripamo in 1937, and together they raised six children. Her husband described her as his “Rock of Gibraltar” — resilient, immovable, and steadfast. Their 55‑year marriage was a partnership of love, faith, and service.
Honors and Recognition
- 2005: National Merit Award — Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)
- 2005: Life Member, National Council of Women’s Societies
- 2006: Bayelsa Women of Distinction Award
- 2007: C.V. Koripamo School of Midwifery, Iyi‑Enu Mission Hospital named in her honor
Faith and Advocacy
A devout Anglican, she worshipped at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, and lived her faith through service. She was a tireless advocate for the girl‑child, challenging harmful traditions and promoting equality, education, and dignity for women.
Passing and Legacy
Christiana Virginia Koripamo passed away on February 15, 2015, aged 104, and was buried in Kaiama, Bayelsa State. Her century‑long life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and service. She is remembered as a nurse of nurses, a mother of mothers, and a champion of women’s rights.
May her noble soul rest in eternal peace.
