Former President of Nigeria , Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah , Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and other prominent Nigerians on Friday ,July 17,2026, celebrated former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, describing him as a visionary Engineer, nation builder and one of Nigeria’s greatest contributors to the development of the country’s electricity sector.
The dignitaries spoke at a birthday symposium themed “Powering Tomorrow: 70 Years of Engineering the Common Good,” held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, in honour of the former minister ,who marked his 70Th birthday.
They described the renowned Engineer and Entrepreneur as an exceptional leader whose life has been dedicated to national development.
Speaking, Chairman of the occasion and former President Obasanjo described Nnaji as someone whose life exemplified excellence, service and transformational leadership, stressing that true success is measured by the positive impact one leaves on institutions and society.
Former President Obasanjo
“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 declared.
He noted that the former minister left enduring legacies in every institution he served, including a university where he chaired the governing council.
Obasanjo prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the celebrant, expressing hope that having attained the biblical three score and ten years, Nnaji 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 said.
In his goodwill message, Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Power, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Sadiq Wanka, likened Nnaji to legendary American inventor Thomas Edison, describing him as a relentless innovator whose contributions have transformed Nigeria’s electricity landscape.
Former Deputy Governor,Hon. Cecilia Ezeilo( R) APC Enugu state Vice Chairman,Princess Peace Patrick ( L)
According to him, Nnaji distinguished himself in Academia, Engineering Research and Innovation before translating his ideas into practical solutions for Nigeria’s power sector.
He commended Nnaji’s Geometric Power project in Aba and the Aba Ring-Fenced Electricity Model, describing them as sustainable solutions capable of addressing the country’s electricity challenges if replicated nationwide.
The Vice President urged governments and stakeholders to support the expansion of the Aba model across Nigeria to improve electricity supply and stimulate economic growth.
In his speech, Governor of Enugu dtate, Dr Peter Mbah described Nnaji as one of Enugu State’s most accomplished sons whose career demonstrates that knowledge and innovation should always be deployed for the benefit of humanity.
Gov Mbah
He traced Nnaji’s journey from humble beginnings in Enugu to academic excellence in the United States and eventual emergence as a globally respected engineer, robotics expert and entrepreneur.
Governor Mbah commended the former minister for returning home to establish Geometric Power and investing in critical infrastructure, education and youth development.
According to Mbah, Nnaji’s greatest legacy lies not only in the projects he built but in the opportunities he created for countless Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote address, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Nnaji as a courageous entrepreneur whose resilience ensured the successful completion of the Aba Integrated Power Project despite enormous bureaucratic, regulatory and financial obstacles.
Sanusi recalled working closely with Nnaji during his tenure as Managing Director of First Bank and later Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, noting that the project had become a benchmark for indigenous private-sector investment in Africa.
He observed that building industries in Nigeria remained far more difficult than engaging in speculative ventures, insisting that entrepreneurs like Nnaji deserved national recognition for investing in the real economy.
Prof Nnaji(L) Mrs Agatha Nnaji ( L)
“Without people like Prof. Nnaji, we will not have a real economy or a sustainable future,” Sanusi said.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti also praised Nnaji’s outstanding achievements in engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence, describing him as a visionary who was decades ahead of his time.
Otti recalled supporting the Geometric Power project during his banking career, helping to facilitate financing at a critical stage despite numerous challenges confronting the project.
Responding, Prof. Nnaji expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for honouring him and thanked successive administrations, financial institutions and development partners whose support made the Aba Integrated Power Project possible.
He paid special tribute to former President Obasanjo for approving the landmark project during his administration, describing the decision as visionary and instrumental to its eventual success.
Nnaji also acknowledged the continued support of Vice President Shettima and the Presidency for infrastructure and power sector reforms, while appreciating Governor Otti for standing by the Geometric Power project during its most challenging periods.
The symposium attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Uche Azikiwe; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Kelvin Chukwu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Azuta Mbah; members of the National and State Assemblies; religious leaders; traditional rulers; captains of industry and other distinguished guests.
