Gov Otti Extols Her 81 Years of Impactful Life

People from diverse backgrounds — across age, gender, profession, religion, and political affiliations — converged in large numbers on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Amokwe Achara Uturu, the host community of Gregory University (GUU) in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, to pay their last respects to the late Ugoeze Margret Ibe (JP).

The funeral ceremony drew sympathisers from far and near, reflecting the far-reaching influence of the deceased, who, alongside her late husband, Eze Cyril Ibe, played a pivotal role in motivating their first son, Professor Gregory Iyke Ibe, to establish Gregory University in 2012.

Among dignitaries present were Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti; former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Sampson Ogah; staff and students of GUU; Dr Madukwe Ukaegbu; Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; Senator Emma Nwaka; His Royal Highness Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonnaya; as well as several traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, and church organisations.

The burial rites featured a solemn Catholic Mass, cultural displays, music, and traditional ceremonies in line with both Catholic doctrine and the customs of Amokwe Achara Uturu.

In a show of appreciation, the Chancellor of GUU, Mr Gregory Okechukwu Ibe Jnr., grandson of the deceased, announced a donation of ₦5 million to the Catholic Cathedral within the university.

Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, consoled Professor Gregory Ibe and his siblings, urging them to take comfort in the impactful life their mother lived over her 81 years.

He noted that her passing on March 8, 2024 — coinciding with  International Women’s Day — was symbolic of a life defined by strength and influence.

“Her memory will continue to inspire, guide, and strengthen Professor Ibe and the entire family in the years ahead,” the governor said.

Describing the deceased as more than a mother, Otti added:

“She was a builder of character, a nurturer of dreams, and a pillar whose influence is clearly reflected in the life and achievements of her son, including the establishment of Gregory University Uturu.

“Her legacy is evident in the generations she raised, the values she instilled, and the impact she made within her family and community. While we share in your loss, we also take solace in the enduring legacy she leaves behind — a legacy of love, service, and dignity.”

In an emotional tribute, Professor Gregory Iyke Ibe described his late mother as the foundation of his life and success.

“You not only raised me to worship the Living God, but also instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

“Your greatest desire was that your children would walk in righteousness, and we pledge to uphold that legacy. I am a professor of Entrepreneurial Science today because you planted and nurtured that seed in me.”

Late Ugoeze Margret Ibe, mother of nine surviving children — five sons and four daughters — was married in 1962 to the late Okwelube I of Amokwe Achara, His Royal Highness Eze Cyril Elesiem Ibe, whose death at the age of 100 was announced in March 2021.

A devout Catholic, she lived in Kaduna, Uturu, Umuahia, and Owerri, maintaining a life of faith and service.

Following the Nigerian Civil War, she and her husband rebuilt their lives in Enugu, where she ventured into tailoring and trade. Her entrepreneurial journey expanded into multiple ventures, including the production of Stella Pomade, Vaseline, and cream, as well as trading at Eke-Obinwa and Relief Markets in Owerri.

Her business acumen was notable — she reportedly acquired two vehicles within a month through her Source Roll enterprise. Upon returning permanently to Uturu in 2002, she continued trading in palm produce and other ventures.

Professor Ibe described his mother as a devoted wife, entrepreneur, and prayer warrior whose life embodied resilience, enterprise, and unwavering faith.

“She lived a life of industry and service, leaving behind enduring legacies of strength, godliness, and impact,” he said.