NEWS
Geometric Power Fuels Abia’s Economic Transformation as Gov. Alex Otti Celebrates Prof. Barth Nnaji at 70
Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has attributed the remarkable economic transformation currently taking place across Abia State to the successful delivery of the Geometric Power Project, describing the landmark investment as the catalyst that has repositioned the State for industrial expansion, reliable electricity, increased investor confidence, and the transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
Governor Otti made the declaration on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the grand celebration marking the 70th birthday of former Minister of Power and Chairman/Founder of Geometric Power Limited, Professor Barth Nnaji.
The event brought together an array of Nigeria’s most distinguished political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics and business executives to honour a man widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost innovators in the power sector.
In a heartfelt tribute, Governor Otti described Professor Nnaji as an extraordinary visionary whose brilliance, resilience and unwavering determination made the Aba Integrated Power Project a reality despite years of daunting obstacles, regulatory setbacks and financial challenges.
The Governor noted that Professor Nnaji’s foresight had consistently placed him ahead of his generation, recalling that he embraced the study of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics long before the technology became a global phenomenon.
“As at that time, Artificial Intelligence was just coming up, but you saw tomorrow,“ Governor Otti attributed
Governor Otti further highlighted Professor Nnaji’s exceptional academic accomplishments, revealing that the renowned engineer completed a four-year programme at St. John’s University, New York, in just two years and nine months before obtaining his Master’s degree in 1982 and earning a PhD barely a year later.
Beyond celebrating the achievements of the Geometric Power founder, Governor Otti acknowledged the invaluable contributions of several national figures whose interventions proved instrumental in ensuring the eventual success of the Aba Integrated Power Project.
He paid special tribute to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the 16th Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, for what he described as a decisive intervention during his tenure at the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), an action that kept the ambitious power project alive at a critical moment.
“We called him and said, ‘We know the door has closed, but the white man that made pencil also made eraser. So, you need to open that door, take in Geometric so that we can continue lending to it…
“He opened the door, took the Geometric loan from Diamond Bank, closed it again, and we were able to lend again,“ Governor Otti said, recalling the intervention
The Governor equally applauded former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for approving the Aba Ring-fenced Power Project in 2004, describing the historic approval as the foundation upon which the entire Geometric Power vision was built.
He also commended Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, for facilitating the gas supply arrangement that culminated in the successful commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant in February 2024.
Governor Otti emphasized that the benefits of the power project are already visible across Abia State, stressing that stable electricity has become the driving force behind the State’s growing industrialisation agenda and ongoing infrastructural transformation.
“Some of the things that are happening in Abia today are because we now have power. It was after the existence of Geometric that gave us the courage to launch our first set of electric buses, and interestingly, the second set will be arriving in another week,“ he said.
The Governor further urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Professor Nnaji’s perseverance, commitment and innovative mindset.
“We need to learn from your resilience, your can-do spirit, your ingenuity and your never-say-die attitude because there are not too many people who can stay on a project for 20 years and earn no dime,“ he added.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Energy Security and Innovative Service,” the 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, underscored the central role of energy security in driving sustainable economic development, insisting that stable electricity supply remains indispensable for industrial growth and national prosperity.
Using Abia State as a practical example of the transformative power of reliable electricity, the Emir declared:
“If you want to see the impact of electricity on an economy, just look at Geometric and the transformation in Abia. This is living evidence of what people think is theory.“
He also described Professor Barth Nnaji as a visionary whose determination and resilience ultimately transformed an ambitious dream into one of Nigeria’s most significant private-sector power projects.
Responding, the celebrant, Professor Barth Nnaji, expressed profound gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of the Geometric Power Project and thanked his family, friends, associates and distinguished guests for joining him to celebrate the milestone.
He reserved special appreciation for Governor Alex Otti and His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, acknowledging their steadfast support over the years and recalling their strategic roles in securing financing for the project during their banking careers as well as facilitating the conversion of the project’s loan from dollars to naira.
“We thank you, Dr. Alex Otti, for your reliable support and partnership… it’s quite incredible that you came to be Governor of Abia State when this project was completed,“ Prof. Nnaji said.
One of the defining moments of the colourful ceremony was the unveiling of Professor Barth Nnaji’s biography titled “The Man Who Dared: The Story of Bart Nnaji,” a publication chronicling the inspiring journey of one of Africa’s foremost engineers, innovators and power sector reformers.
Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the wife of Nigeria’s first President, Mrs. Uche Azikiwe; Sen. Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe; The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,
Senator John Azuta-Mbata; Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; alongside distinguished traditional rulers, captains of industry, academics, business leaders and other notable guests from Enugu State and across Nigeria.