President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and several prominent Nigerian leaders have paid glowing tributes to the Chairman of Geometric Power Group, Professor Bart Nnaji, as he marked his 70th birthday in Enugu.
The tributes were delivered at a symposium held in his honour with the theme, "Powering Tomorrow: 70 Years of Engineering the Common Good," at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The event attracted notable personalities, including the Emir of Kano, HRH Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, senior government officials, captains of industry and academics.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Prof. Nnaji as an outstanding innovator, administrator and nation builder whose integrity, brilliance and discipline distinguished his service as Minister of Power.
The President also praised Nnaji's pioneering role in developing the Aba Integrated Power Project, widely recognised as Nigeria's first fully vertically integrated electricity utility. He commended his commitment to reforming the country's electricity sector despite the numerous challenges confronting the industry and wished him continued good health and greater accomplishments.
Chairing the symposium, former President Obasanjo said the gathering was not merely to celebrate a birthday but to honour a life defined by excellence, achievement and purposeful service. According to him, Nnaji's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration and worthy example for future generations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a goodwill message read at the event, applauded Nnaji's impact on Nigeria's electricity industry through the Aba Power Project. He noted that the integrated power system, which generates electricity, distributes it and ensures effective metering and revenue collection, has become a model for addressing the country's long-standing challenges of inadequate power supply, poor revenue recovery and underinvestment.
Delivering the keynote address titled "Energy Security and Economic Growth," the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, stressed that reliable, affordable and sustainable energy remains the backbone of national development. He described Prof. Nnaji as one of Nigeria's most accomplished engineers whose practical innovations have transformed lives rather than remaining confined to theory.
Sanusi pointed to the impact of Geometric Power in Aba as evidence of how stable electricity can drive industrial growth and economic transformation, adding that the company's success has earned international recognition as a model for Africa's energy sector.
Governor Peter Mbah praised Nnaji for combining academic excellence with engineering innovation, attributing his success to discipline, resilience and unwavering dedication. He described the Geometric Power founder as a pioneer of indigenous power development who has invested not only in infrastructure but also in mentoring young engineers and supporting education.
According to Mbah, Nnaji's life demonstrates that true greatness lies in using knowledge and talent to improve the lives of others while balancing global achievements with local impact.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State also acknowledged Geometric Power's influence on his administration's development agenda, revealing that the success of the power project inspired the state's decision to introduce electric buses in Aba. He urged Nigerians to emulate Nnaji's determination, resilience and belief that challenges can always be overcome.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Adeleye Falade, represented by the company's General Manager of External Relations, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, described the celebrant as an accomplished scientist, distinguished professional and one of the leading figures in Nigeria's power industry.
Highlights of the symposium included a presidential fireside conversation with former President Obasanjo, moderated by Chairman of the THISDAY Editorial Board, Dr. Segun Adeniyi, as well as the review of the book Nnaji: The Challenge of the Future by renowned author and Professor of Literature, Okey Ndibe.
