News Investigators/ Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other eminent Nigerians paid glowing tributes to former Power Minister, Barth Nnaji, on his 70th birthday.
The tributes were delivered at a birthday symposium titled “Powering Tomorrow: 70 Years of Engineering the Common Good,” held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on Friday.
Speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and chairman of the occasion, described Prof. Nnaji as a successful leader whose life had been defined by excellence, service and transformative leadership.
The former president said success should not merely be measured by personal achievements but by the ability to improve institutions and communities.
“For me, success is when you get to a place and make it better than you met it. By that definition, Prof. Barth Nnaji has succeeded,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that Prof. Nnaji had left remarkable legacies in every institution he served, including a university where he chaired the governing council.
Mr Obasanjo prayed for long life for the celebrant, expressing hope that having attained the biblical three score and ten years, he would also celebrate “the 120 years of Moses.”
“We are here to celebrate success, excellence, achievement and exemplary leadership. Happy birthday, and may your success continue,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Power, Mr Sadiq Wanka, described Prof. Nnaji as Nigeria’s equivalent of the legendary inventor, Thomas Edison, for his enduring contributions to the country’s electricity sector and power infrastructure.
He praised the renowned engineer and entrepreneur as a “stubborn, relentless and visionary builder” whose innovations had transformed Nigeria’s power landscape.
Drawing parallels between Nnaji and Edison, Shettima said both men understood that electricity could only deliver meaningful impact when supported by the infrastructure required for efficient transmission and distribution.
“Nnaji distinguished himself in academia and research, lectured in some of the world’s finest institutions, authored influential engineering publications and earned global recognition as an inventor,” he said.
The vice president commended Nnaji’s ability to translate ideas into practical solutions, particularly through the Geometric Power project in Aba and the Aba Ring-Fenced electricity model, which he described as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
Congratulating the former minister on his 70th birthday, Shettima urged Nigerians to support efforts to replicate and expand the successes of the Aba power model across the country.
In his speech, Gov. Peter Mbah described Nnaji as one of Enugu State’s most distinguished sons whose career had demonstrated that knowledge and innovation should always serve humanity.
He said Nnaji’s journey from a humble background in Enugu through academic excellence in the United States to becoming a globally respected engineer and entrepreneur remained an inspiration to younger generations.
According to the governor, Nnaji distinguished himself in engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics before returning to Nigeria to establish Geometric Power and contribute to national development.
The governor commended Nnaji for investing in power infrastructure, education and youth development, noting that his greatest legacy lay in creating opportunities for others.
In his keynote speech, the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Nnaji as a courageous entrepreneur whose resilience made the Aba Integrated Power Project a reality in spite of enormous bureaucratic and financial obstacles.
Sanusi, who recalled working closely with Nnaji during his tenure as Managing Director of First Bank and later Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the project had become a reference point for indigenous private-sector investment in Africa.
He noted that building industries in Nigeria remained more difficult than engaging in speculative businesses and said entrepreneurs like Nnaji deserved national recognition for investing in the real economy.
“Without people like Prof. Nnaji, we will not have a real economy or a sustainable future,” Sanusi said.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia also celebrated Nnaji’s outstanding academic accomplishments, describing him as a visionary who was decades ahead of his time in engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Otti praised Nnaji’s perseverance in pursuing the Geometric Power project despite financial and regulatory challenges, recalling the support he provided during his banking career to facilitate funding for the project.
Responding, Nnaji thanked the dignitaries for honouring him and expressed appreciation to successive governments, financial institutions and development partners for supporting the Aba Integrated Power Project.
He particularly commended Obasanjo for approving the project during his administration, describing the decision as visionary and pivotal to its success.
Nnaji also appreciated Vice President Shettima and officials in the Presidency for their continued support for infrastructure and power development.
The renowned engineer also thanked Gov. Otti for his longstanding support, including efforts during his banking career that helped secure financing for Geometric Power at a critical stage.
Dignitaries at the event include Nigeria first Lady, Uche Azikiwe, former Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Azuta Mbah, State and federal lawmakers, religious and traditional leaders, among others
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