By Danjuma Amodu
Innov8 Hub has announced the passing of its Founder, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, Ph.D, whose vision and commitment to innovation laid the foundation for the technology and entrepreneurship hub.
In a statement on Monday, the Management and Staff of Innov8 Hub said it received the news with profound sadness, noting that his legacy lives on in the people empowered, the ideas nurtured, the innovations developed, and the possibilities created through his vision.
“As we mourn this immense loss, we remain grateful for the foundation he built and the purpose that continues to guide our work. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, loved ones, and everyone whose life was touched by his leadership,” the Hub stated.
Innov8 Hub is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation with a mandate to drive socio-economic growth and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond through innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, capacity building and venture creation. It serves as a focal point for innovation start-up incubation, technology transfer, knowledge and skill impartation, as well as prototype development and fabrication.
The death was formally confirmed by the Ibe Royal Family of Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of HRH Eze Cyril Ibe, Okwelube I of Amaokwe Achara.
The family said the renowned educationist, industrialist, philanthropist, entrepreneur and statesman died after battling health challenges which he faced with courage and strength.
“With deep sadness, but with gratitude to Almighty God for a life of purpose, impact, and service, we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, grandfather, patriarch, and an exceptional man, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR,” the family said.
Prof. Ibe was the founder and proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, a private institution noted for its focus on research, medical science, innovation and entrepreneurship. Through his companies, including Skill ‘G’ Limited and Innov8 Hub, he supplied tertiary institutions across Nigeria with laboratory and technical equipment and promoted skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
He also contested the 2023 Abia State governorship election as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), campaigning on a technology-driven blueprint to transform the state into an industrial hub.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed shock and sadness over the death. In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor said he had hoped and prayed that the respected administrator and philanthropist would recover. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t. We cannot question God,” Otti said, commiserating with the bereaved family on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, while noting Prof. Ibe’s significant contributions to education and research in the state.
Similarly, former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, described Ibe’s death as a painful loss. “Professor Ibe was a distinguished educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who dedicated much of his life to advancing education, empowering young people and contributing to the development of society. Through the establishment of Gregory University, Uturu, he built an enduring legacy that will continue to provide opportunities and shape the future of generations of young Nigerians,” Kalu said in a solemn post on his Facebook page.
The Abia State Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Etugo Ndubuisi Ogah, also described the passing as a painful loss to his family, Abia State and humanity, urging the family to find strength in shared memories and in God’s grace.
Other mourners described his investment in private university education as unmatched, saying he singlehandedly revolutionised private university education in the South-East.
The family said he is survived by six children and seven grandchildren, and thanked the public for prayers and condolences while requesting privacy as funeral arrangements are being finalised.
