The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has mourned the death of the founder and Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Professor Gregory Ibe.
Ibe was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the 2023 governorship election in Abia State. He was also the visionary behind Innov8 Hub, an innovation and start-up incubation centre in Abuja.
In a condolence message contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, on Tuesday, Kalu described the late professor as a renowned scholar, industrialist, philanthropist, visionary and community leader.
He said Ibe believed education was the greatest form of empowerment and demonstrated his conviction by establishing a university to educate generations to come.
The deputy speaker added that Ibe’s involvement in politics was driven by a desire to serve the people.
“His death is a monumental loss to academia, to his community, to the state, and to Nigeria at large,” Kalu said.
Kalu extended his condolences to Ibe’s immediate family, the management, staff and students of Gregory University, his political associates and others who were impacted by his life.
He urged the bereaved family and members of the university community to take solace in the late professor’s legacy.
“Please be comforted that his legacy lives on in the thousands of lives he lifted, the institution he built, and the values he stood for,” he said.
Kalu prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss.