The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed deep shock and profound sadness on the passing of Professor Gregory Ibe.
Ibe was the founder and chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, and governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general elections in the State.
He was also the visionary behind Innov8 Hub, a focal point for innovation and startup incubation in Abuja.
In a condolence message, Kalu described late Professor Ibe as a renowned scholar, industrialist, philanthropist, visionary and community leader.
He said that Professor Ibe was a rare breed, an intellectual giant who believed education was the greatest form of empowerment, and lived it by building a university that will educate generations yet unborn.
His foray into politics, the Deputy Speaker noted, was driven purely by service.
“His death is a monumental loss to academia, to his community, to the State, and to Nigeria at large”, he said.
While praying for the repose of the deceased, Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to late Professor Ibe’s immediate family, the management, staff and students of Gregory University, Uturu, his political allies and all who were impacted by his exemplary life.
“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.
“May God grant his family the strength to bear this irreplaceable and irreparable loss”, Kalu prayed.