In continuation of his efforts to touch the lives of Abians in mitigating the economic effects of COVID-19, the Rector/Proprietor Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe has rolled out palliatives for ABSU and Abia Polytechnic. Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) and Abia State Polytechnic Aba are two leading public tertiary institutions in the state. Beneficiaries were drawn from the membership Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ABSU chapter and staff of Abia State Polytechnic Aba.
Speaking while handing over the palliatives to the executive members of the unions, the Vice-Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof Augustine Uwakwe, expressed the empathy of Prof Ibe on the plight of the citizenry occasioned by the global pandemic. In a statement issued on Thursday by Sleek Ogbonnaya Ogwo, the Director Media & Public Relations, Prof. Ibe while appreciating the inability of the exercise to meet the entire food needs of the people, stated that he was motivated to launch the innovation out of love and care for the citizenry, He also added that it is a way of expressing his concern for the well being of Abians especially during these trying times. Recalling the fraternal relationship existing between ABSU and Gregory University Uturu, Prof Uwakwe on behalf of Prof. Ibe further contended that the donation will help strengthen the mutual ties.
Responding while receiving the items, the Chairman of ABSU ASSU, Dr. V. C. Nkemdirim thanked Prof. Gregory Ibe for his kind disposition, stating that the gesture is a true reflection of the Igbo belief in the concept of ‘O nuru ube nwanne ya agbala oso’. “On his part, the Rector of Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Prof Ezionye Eboh, expressed deep appreciation to Prof Ibe for allowing God use him to assuage the pains brought on the people by COVID-19 and enjoined other advantaged individuals to emulate the gesture. “Correspondents report that previous editions of the Prof Gregory Ibe Foundation palliative exercise had undertaken the distribution of amenities to state governments, local government councils, groups, institutions and associations within and outside the state.” the statement read.