Abia APGA 2023 Governorship Candidate Gregory Ibe Passes Away

Gregory Ibe, who founded Gregory University in Uturu, has died. He was the candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 Abia State governorship election. His family announced his death on Monday, according to a report by The Punch newspaper.

The announcement was made in a statement from the royal family of Cyril Ibe from Okwelube I in Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, the newspaper reported.

The family said Mr Ibe, a professor, passed away after dealing with health issues. They described him as someone who dedicated his life to education, philanthropy, and helping others.

Mr Ibe was not just an academic but also an administrator, industrialist, and philanthropist. He started Gregory University, Uturu, a private university known for focusing on research, medical science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

He ran businesses like Skill ‘G’ Limited and Innov8 Hub. These companies supplied laboratory and technical equipment to colleges across Nigeria. In politics, he ran for the 2023 Abia governorship election under the APGA party, promoting a vision to turn the state into an industrial center using technology.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti expressed sadness about Mr Ibe's death. He called the deceased an outstanding son of the state, whose work in education and research helped both the state and the country.

In a condolence statement released on Monday by his media adviser, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor said he had hoped Professor Ibe would recover from the illness he faced for some time.

Governor Otti mentioned that Mr Ibe’s death was especially hard to bear considering his ongoing contributions to education and research. He encouraged Mr Ibe’s family, friends, and supporters to find comfort in the life he led and the legacy he created.

On behalf of his family, the Abia State Government, and the people of the state, Mr Otti sent condolences to the grieving family and prayed for the peace of the professor’s soul.

The family shared that Mr Ibe is survived by six children and seven grandchildren, along with many mentees and beneficiaries. They thanked the public for their sympathy and asked for privacy as they finalize funeral arrangements.