The Chancellor/Proprietor, Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe has expressed shock over the death of former military governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, saying he is saddened.
Describing the late patriot as an admirable Admiral, Prof. Ibe in a condolence message made available to ABN TV on Thursday recalled the role Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu played as the Chairman of our Board of Trustees(BOT) of the University.
According to the academic, the late Imo governor was a man among men who made an immense contribution to the development of Imo State shortly after creation as the governor.
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He further pointed out that some of the legacies Rear Admiral Kanu left behind, including a broadcast station still functions till date.
“When I visited you at your country home in Ovim on 30 December 2020 we discussed everything and planned many things without knowing it would be the last time. Indeed it is true when the Bible says that man is like vapour that easily evaporates away.
“It is therefore with sadness and grief that I received the shocking news of the transition to eternal glory of our admirable Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, who until death was Chairman of our Board of Trustees(BOT)
“Admiral Kanu was a man among men, a Primus Interpares. In the course of his naval career, It was no mean feat that he became the first governor of old Imo State upon its creation in March 1976. He later moved on to serve as the governor of Lagos State in 1977. While in the military as a naval officer, our Chairman, Board of Trustees would rise to become a Rear Admiral and Chief of Nigeria’s Naval Staff.
“To underscore his personality and his pro-stance on human development, while in office as governor of old Imo State, much of what the city of Owerri has become today is as a result of his leadership in town planning, roads construction, expansion of Local Government Areas and the establishment of Imo Broadcasting Service which still broadcasts to this day.
“Admiral Kanu upon his retirement from active military service to the nation led an increasingly active lifestyle as a civilian. He was a man filled with uncommon strength and abilities. Regardless of his professional background as a military officer, he played a leading role in the agitation for pro-democracy and its tenets in the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
“Our now departed chairman successfully ventured into business, occupied leadership positions in corporate organizations and socio-cultural groups, held honourary doctorate degrees from notable universities in Nigeria, a statesman, a leading light, and a very vocal voice within the Nigerian polity regarding true federalist practices.
“Here at Gregory University, Uturu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi G. Kanu freely offered us great insights and invaluable contributions in activating and sustaining the growth of our blossoming university. He was billed to hold an interactive mentoring session with our scholars on their return from Christmas break.
“Indeed our hearts are broken at this great loss. May the eternal light of God which never grows dim continually shine on him,” he said.
