Prof Gregory Ibe, the Chancellor and Founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia, has called on Abians to rally concerted efforts and support for the attainment of a great Abia State.
The University don made the call in a goodwill message made available to IGBERE TV while celebrating the creation of the state from the old Imo State on August 27, 1991.
The message reads; “On this unique historic commemoration of the 29th Anniversary of the creation of Abia State, I wish to join millions of our people worldwide in appreciating the Almighty God, first for inspiring the divine conception and strategic birth of this geographical entity prophetically christened Gods own State, and then for upholding the indigenes and residents in the hollow of his awesomely safe hands these past years.
“Each time we mark the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, it presents us yet another indispensable opportunity of recalling and reminiscing on the patriotic labors of our Heroes past and the sacrificial milestones of our Founding Fathers who meritoriously laid the strategic landmarks that distinguish us as a unique people on the solid and unshakeable blocks of equity and justice.
“The 29th stanza of our celebration can best be described as a bittersweet experience since it comes within the unprecedented season of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Indeed it is a season that is characterized by sweetness on one hand, occasioned by the anniversary celebration, and bitterness on the other, prompted by the ravaging pandemic.
“For a few Abians, it is a season replete with tragedy and woes, with many narrowly escaping death by whiskers while others were not as lucky since their life got cut shot by the virus.
“While praying for the repose of the souls of the departed, I join my prayers with the faithful in appreciating God for sparing our lives, even as we all relentlessly intercede for divine protection and continuous sustenance of our dear State.
“While sending sweet incense of thanksgiving, ovation and jubilation to the God of Abia for benevolently sparing, renewing and strengthening our Governor and Leader, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, especially during these perilous times, I hereby call on Abians and indeed all men of goodwill to rally concerted efforts and support for the attainment of a great Abia, even as we all “with open face” behold the emergence of that truly egalitarian state which our revered Founding Fathers envisioned from the beginning.
“Congratulations Abians! God Bless Abia!! God Bless Nigeria!!!”
