Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has mourned the death of the founder of Gregory University, Uturu, and the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Prof. Gregory Ibe.
Ibe died after battling an illness.
In a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Monday, Otti said he received the news of Ibe’s death with shock and sadness.
The statement read, “The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, received with shock and sadness the news of the passing of an illustrious Abian and the APGA governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR.”
It added that Otti was saddened by the loss, given Ibe’s contributions to education and research in Nigeria generally and Abia State in particular.
According to the statement, “The Abia Chief Executive, like numerous other well-wishers, had prayed and hoped that the respected administrator and philanthropist would overcome the sickness he battled for some time. Unfortunately, he couldn’t. We cannot question God.”
Otti urged the late educationist’s family, friends and loved ones not to grieve without hope.
He encouraged them to “take solace in the fulfilled and impactful life which he led and strive to uphold his worthy virtues and legacies.”
On behalf of his family, the state government and the people of Abia State, the governor prayed that God would grant Ibe’s soul eternal repose.
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with 17 years of professional experience. He has served as a correspondent covering Abia State since 2015 and focuses on governance, human rights, justice, and equity. Ogbonnaya’s work reflects strong organizational skills, editorial discipline, and a commitment to objective and responsible journalism.
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