Geometric Power Changed Abia’s Future — Gov. Otti Hails Barth Nnaji at 70, Credits Project for Industrial Revolution

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that the successful delivery of the Geometric Power Project has become the cornerstone of Abia’s economic transformation, saying the landmark investment has unlocked industrial growth, improved energy stability, and accelerated the state’s transition to clean transportation.

Speaking on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the 70th birthday celebration of the Chairman and Founder of Geometric Power Limited, Professor Barth Nnaji, Governor Otti described the renowned engineer and former Minister of Power as a visionary whose resilience has changed the economic fortunes of Abia State.

The Governor praised Professor Nnaji’s exceptional brilliance and determination, noting that his academic achievements and pioneering work in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics came long before the technologies gained global prominence.

“At a time when Artificial Intelligence was still in its infancy, Professor Nnaji had already seen the future,” Governor Otti remarked, adding that the celebrated professor completed a four-year programme at St. John’s University, New York, in just two years and nine months before earning his Master’s degree in 1982 and a PhD a year later.

Otti Credits National Leaders for Saving Geometric Power

Governor Otti also acknowledged the critical contributions of several national leaders whose interventions ensured the survival and eventual completion of the Aba Integrated Power Project.

He singled out the 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, for what he described as a decisive intervention during his leadership at the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Recalling the difficult financial period faced by the project, Governor Otti revealed that Sanusi approved the acquisition of Geometric Power’s loan from Diamond Bank, making it possible for the project to access additional financing and continue construction.

He equally commended former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for approving the Aba Ring-fenced Power Project in 2004, a decision he described as the foundation upon which Geometric Power was built.

Governor Otti also applauded Vice President Kashim Shettima for facilitating the gas supply that enabled the commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant in February 2024.

Geometric Power Driving Abia’s Economic Renaissance

According to Governor Otti, the impact of stable electricity is already transforming Abia’s economy.

He disclosed that the availability of reliable power gave his administration the confidence to launch the state’s electric mass transit programme.

“Some of the things happening in Abia today are because we now have power. It was after the emergence of Geometric that we launched our first fleet of electric buses, and the second batch will arrive within the next week,” the Governor said.

He urged Nigerians to emulate Professor Nnaji’s perseverance, innovation, and determination, describing him as a rare example of someone who remained committed to a vision for over two decades without immediate financial reward.

Sanusi: Abia Is Proof That Electricity Drives Economic Growth

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Energy Security and Innovative Service,” former CBN Governor and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described energy security as the engine of sustainable economic development.

Using Abia State as a practical example, Sanusi said the transformation taking place in the state clearly demonstrates the direct relationship between reliable electricity and economic prosperity.

“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 said.

He described Professor Nnaji as a visionary whose unwavering commitment eventually turned one of Nigeria’s most ambitious private-sector power projects into reality.

Barth Nnaji Appreciates Otti, Sanusi for Standing by Geometric

In his response, Professor Barth Nnaji expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of the Geometric Power Project and thanked family members, friends, associates, and guests for celebrating his 70th birthday.

He paid special tribute to Governor Alex Otti and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, acknowledging their steadfast support during the project’s most difficult years.

Professor Nnaji particularly recalled their efforts in securing financing for the project and facilitating the conversion of its loans from dollars to naira, describing their contributions as invaluable.

“We thank you, Dr. Alex Otti, for your reliable support and partnership. It is quite incredible that you eventually became Governor of Abia State at the very time this project was completed,” he said.

Biography Unveiled

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Professor Barth Nnaji’s biography titled The Man Who Dared: The Story of Bart Nnaji, chronicling his remarkable journey, resilience, and enduring legacy in Nigeria’s power sector.

The ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of national leaders and distinguished personalities, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi, Mrs. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first President, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, captains of industry, academics, and other eminent Nigerians.

The event reinforced the growing recognition of the Geometric Power Project as one of Nigeria’s most impactful private-sector infrastructure investments and a catalyst for Abia State’s ongoing economic renaissance.