The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, has expressed profound sadness over the death of the founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to education and humanity will remain indelible.

Aguocha, in a condolence message, described the late Professor as an outstanding academic, institution builder and philanthropist whose commitment to education transformed lives, created opportunities and strengthened the educational landscape in Nigeria.

He said Ibe’s life was a testament to service, excellence and humanity, noting that his unwavering dedication to education had left an enduring legacy within the university system and communities across the country.

The federal lawmaker further described the deceased as a bridge-builder who believed in the potential of people, empowered young people and championed the creation of a better, more educated and compassionate society.

According to Aguocha, the late university founder’s contributions extended beyond the establishment of an institution, as his vision and commitment to human development inspired generations and opened doors of opportunity for many.

He expressed confidence that Ibe’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations, adding that his impact on education and humanity would not be forgotten.

Aguocha also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the management and staff of Gregory University, Uturu, and all those mourning the academic icon, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased, noting that Prof. Ibe’s life had made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

The Safe Tent Care Initiative, a pet project of Abia State Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has distributed back-to-school materials to 1,000 indigent pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, as she declared that background should not be a barrier to greatness.

The intervention, organised in collaboration with the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), took place at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage academic excellence and improve access to education for vulnerable children, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the Safe Tent Care Initiative, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the programme was designed to support families struggling to provide essential educational materials for their children and ensure that pupils returned to school adequately equipped and motivated to learn.

She explained that the initiative reached 1,000 pupils from 50 public schools across the state’s 17 local government areas, with particular attention to children from underserved rural communities.

According to her, the beneficiaries were selected from disadvantaged families, with consideration given to pupils’ academic performance and efforts to encourage educational excellence.

Mrs. Otti noted that the programme was an extension of the initiative’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable children and supporting families facing economic difficulties.

She recalled that the previous edition also provided assistance to pupils and expressed hope that the programme would expand to reach more than 2,000 children in subsequent editions, subject to available resources.

The governor’s wife commended the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, head teachers and other education stakeholders for their collaboration in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.

She also acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations committed to supporting underserved children, including the Peter NWachukwu Foundation, whose work, she said, inspired her to pursue similar humanitarian interventions.

Mrs. Otti further encouraged parents and guardians to remain committed to their children’s education, while urging pupils to be disciplined, hardworking, respectful and determined to achieve their dreams regardless of their backgrounds.

She also called on individuals, businesses and organisations to support the initiative’s humanitarian programmes, announcing plans for the Rising Gems Talent Show and Gospel Music Concert to raise funds for vulnerable children and other beneficiaries across the state.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, Lady Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, described the programme as a demonstration of the importance of collective responsibility in advancing children’s education.

She commended Mrs. Otti for establishing the initiative and consistently supporting vulnerable children, noting that the provision of school materials would help improve pupils’ confidence, encourage learning and ease some of the financial pressures on their families.

According to her, every child deserves access to the resources and encouragement necessary to learn, excel and fulfil their potential, irrespective of family circumstances or geographical location.

Lady Onuoha said the initiative aligned with the educational transformation agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which prioritises quality education, human capital development, inclusiveness and improved learning outcomes.

She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials provided, remain committed to their studies and demonstrate good character in their schools and communities.

The ASUBEB chairman also celebrated Abia pupils who recently represented Nigeria at the 2026 International School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, where they reportedly emerged overall champions, winning four major trophies and 12 medals.

She attributed the achievement to the dedication of the pupils, their teachers and coaches, as well as the support provided by the state government and other stakeholders.

Lady Onuoha noted that the accomplishment demonstrated the potential of children attending public schools to compete successfully on the international stage when given the necessary support and opportunities.

She called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, parents, communities, development organisations and private individuals to ensure that no child was left behind in the pursuit of quality education.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the intervention as an important contribution to efforts to address the challenges faced by vulnerable children and low-income households.

ASUBEB Executive Chairman

She said poverty extended beyond inadequate household income, as it could also limit children’s access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

According to her, supporting children’s education and strengthening household welfare are important components of social protection, particularly for families at risk of being excluded from opportunities for development.

Mrs Felix commended Mrs. Otti for championing the initiative and called for stronger partnerships among government ministries, schools, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to expand support for vulnerable families.

She urged the beneficiaries to remain hardworking, respect their parents and teachers, and understand that their present circumstances should not determine their future achievements.

The commissioner also encouraged parents and teachers to continue guiding the children, stressing that their collective efforts were essential to building a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

The event attracted the wife of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu; the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu.

Others included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka; the Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Professor Ijeoma Iheukwumere; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abia State, Comrade Kingsley Mmadu ,wives of local government mayors; and other government officials and education stakeholders.

Also present were the Labour Party candidate for Obingwa West State Constituency, Chief Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, and the Director of the Peter Wachuku Foundation, Mrs. Christiana Wachuku.

In her vote of thanks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Otti for extending educational support to children from disadvantaged families across the state’s 17 local government areas.

She said the initiative had provided encouragement to pupils and relief to parents, adding that the intervention went beyond the distribution of school bags and books to represent an investment in the future of Abia children.

Mrs. Nwaka also commended the initiative’s team, local government coordinators, teachers and other partners whose contributions helped make the programme successful.

included cultural dance performances by pupils of Ndume Otuka Primary School, a spelling bee competition and various fun games that entertained guests and created an atmosphere of excitement.

The activities provided an opportunity for the pupils to demonstrate their talents and abilities while celebrating the importance of education, discipline and healthy competition.

The programme ended with renewed calls for stronger partnerships to support children from underserved communities and ensure that financial diff

iculties do not prevent them from accessing educational opportunities.

The 2027 Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia State, Chief Eric Opah, has pledged to deploy the resources of the state for the development and benefit of Abia people if elected.

Opah made the pledge during the official unveiling of the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe, at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

He assured that his administration would uphold transparency, honesty and integrity in the management of public resources, stressing that government projects would not be inflated under his watch.

According to him, he took more than two weeks to carefully assess Agu Egbe before settling for him as his running mate, noting that the Deputy Governorship position requires someone who can work harmoniously with the principal.

Opah said he examined Agu Egbe’s professional background and contacted his former employer, BUA International, to obtain an independent assessment of his character and competence. He added that he also consulted party leaders before the final decision was reached.

He described Agu Egbe as a man of integrity who would make both the APC and Abia State proud, adding that the Deputy Governorship candidate had fully aligned with the party’s manifesto and vision for the state.

The APC Governorship candidate said his government would review the existing tax regime in the state, create employment opportunities and ensure that public funds were judiciously applied.

He reiterated that the party was entering the 2027 election with the determination to win and deliver a government that would produce tangible results for the people.

The APC State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, formally presented Agu Egbe to members of the State Working Committee and the State Executive Council, describing him as a candidate with the goodwill of the people.

In his response, Agu Egbe expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by Chief Eric Opah and the party leadership.

He pledged his total loyalty to the leadership of the party and promised to work in accordance with the decisions of his principal, while aligning himself with the APC manifesto and the vision of the Governorship candidate.

Agu Egbe said he was passionate about the APC and would work with Opah to achieve the party’s objectives, including securing victory for the party in the 2027 elections.

He also pledged to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work towards ensuring that Abia State records a decisive victory for the APC.

Speaking during an interview, Agu Egbe disclosed that his involvement in active politics had prepared him for the responsibility ahead, noting that his political journey had taken him through the APP, CPC and APC.

He said he shared a common vision with his principal, Opah and would support him in delivering on that vision, adding that the major difference his administration would make would be measured by the results it produced.

Agu Egbe maintained that Abia people deserved better governance and expressed confidence that the APC ticket would provide the leadership required to achieve that objective.

Meanwhile, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe was born 57 years ago to the family of Mr. Pliny Igwe Egbe and Mrs. Anna Nnenna Egbe of Ameeke-Elu, Ovim, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

He is a Project Management and Financial Sector Specialist with more than 27 years of professional experience spanning development finance, pension administration, agribusiness development, institutional capacity building and strategic business advisory services.

Agu Egbe has held senior leadership and technical advisory positions across consulting, financial services and development-focused institutions in Nigeria and Ghana.

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sane-Konsult International Limited, where he provided strategic leadership in enterprise development, project management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), as well as institutional advisory services.

He previously served as Deputy General Manager and Project Manager at BUA International, where he was involved in strategic initiatives focused on cotton value-chain development and industrial cluster projects.

Over the years, Agu Egbe has provided technical support to financial institutions, development programmes and agribusiness initiatives under organisations including USAID/Connexus Corporation and the African Development Bank Group.

His areas of expertise include agricultural finance, business development, risk management, operational planning, stakeholder engagement and institutional strengthening. He is also a researcher with publications covering financial mathematics, pension systems and financial inclusion.

Agu Egbe is married to Lolo Lilian Ukachi Egbe, and the marriage is blessed with five children-three girls and two boys.