Nigerian Leaders Honour Prof Bart Nnaji's 70th Birthday, Laud Power Sector Achievements

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Vice President Kashim Shettima were among the prominent Nigerians who paid tribute to Professor Bart Nnaji, the Chairman of Geometric Power Group, as he celebrated his 70th birthday in Enugu. The celebration, which took place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, was themed 'Powering Tomorrow: 70 Years of Engineering the Common Good'. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Professor Nnaji's contributions to the power sector, describing him as a critical player who demonstrated foresight and brilliance in pioneering the Aba Integrated Power Project. The President also thanked Nnaji for his role in leading the charge for reforms in the power sector despite the challenges. During the symposium, Obasanjo, who served as the chairman, praised Nnaji's achievements, saying that the occasion was to celebrate success, excellence, and an exemplary life. Vice President Shettima, in his goodwill message, highlighted Nnaji's significant contributions to Nigeria's power sector, particularly with the Aba Power Plant, which has become a template for the country's power sector. The Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi II, delivered the keynote address, speaking on 'Energy Security and Economic Growth'. He noted that Nigeria's failure to provide steady energy has remained a major challenge and defined energy security as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. Sanusi also commended Nnaji's achievements in the power ecosystem, saying that they have been recognised by global major corporations and multinational financial institutions as Africa's success story. The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, praised Nnaji's achievements in academics and engineering, saying that they were earned through discipline, resilience, and relentless hard work. Mbah also noted that Nnaji's founding of the Geometric Power made him the pioneer of indigenous power development in Nigeria. The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, said that the success of Geometric Power Group in the state encouraged his administration to launch the Aba Electric Bus transport scheme. Other dignitaries who attended the symposium included the Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria NLG Limited, Mr. Adeleye Falade, who was represented by the General Manager, External Relations, NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall. The symposium also featured a 'Presidential Fireside Chat' with Obasanjo and a book review on 'Nnaji: The Challenge of the Future'.