A former Commissioner for finance and economic planning in Abia state and a Chieftain of the All progressives Congress, APC, Prof Philips Nto has called on who were associated with the Late Prof Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe to preserve his greatest legacy, which is Gregory University that he founded.
Nto in tribute to mourn the late Prof Ibe appealed to all not to allow the university to die with him, pointing out that the deceased was a man who believed so much in the education and economic emancipation of the South East.
While nothing that the fallen hero valued friendship, the former Commissioner noted that Prof Ibe practiced politics if inclusion and without bitterness.
He therefore pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Philips Nto Mourns Gregory Ibe
I received with great sadness the shocking news of the death of Prof Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe ,the founder and proprietor of the first Private University in Abia state, Gregory University, Uturu, at the age of 63.
He was not just a great Abian and patriotic son of Nigeria. Prof. Ibe was my friend who valued our friendship above political and class distinction.
When he ventured into politics, it was a call to service , a manifestation of his passion to accelerate the development of the South East in all ramifications.
When he took the monumental economic risk to establish the Gregory University in Abia State, it was the same passion to enhance access to quality tertiary education by the youth of the South East. In the process ,he created thousands of employment for our people. If he had sited the university outside the region, he would make more money, but as usual, he was consumed by the passion of advancing the economic and educational opportunities in the South East.
When he was contesting the 2023 governorship election, he exhibited an exceptional character trait I had never seen in our typical Nigerian style. He was civil to all irrespective of political leanings. He maintained his friends who were found in different political parties. Above all, he pursued justice and equity for the people of Abia North without insulting people from other parts of the state. He earned my respect for that novel political conduct and stance.
For a man who believed so much in the education and economic emancipation of the South East, Prof Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe should not be allowed to die with his vision and dreams. The practical steps we ,who were associated with him,should take is to preserve his greatest legacy, which is Gregory University. We should not allow the university to die with him.
On behalf of my wife, Associate Professor Chioma and the entire family, I condole with his wife and children and the Royal Ibe family. May the soul of this great gentleman and accomplished academic and enterpreneur Prof Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe find rest in the Lord.
Philips Nto,PhD, FASN
