Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his long-standing belief in Nigeria’s capacity to attain prosperity through homegrown solutions, stating that the country is endowed with all the human and natural resources needed for sustainable development.
Obasanjo made this assertion on Monday during the inauguration of newly completed power substations by Geometric Power in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State. The facilities, part of a broader energy infrastructure project led by renowned engineer and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, are set to revolutionize electricity supply in the commercial hub of Aba.
Reflecting on his tenure as president, Obasanjo noted that his decision to issue an operational licence to Nnaji years ago stemmed from his confidence in Nigerian expertise and potential. He disclosed that he faced skepticism at the time, with some questioning his trust in Nigerian professionals. However, he said the successful implementation of the Geometric Power project has vindicated his faith.
“Some people warned me not to entrust such a critical project to Nigerians, predicting failure. But today, Prof. Nnaji and his team have proven that Nigerians can deliver when given the opportunity,” Obasanjo said.
He emphasized that the success of the project should serve as an inspiration for national self-reliance. “What Geometric Power has achieved here is a testament that we don’t need to always look outside for progress. We must believe in ourselves and our ability to succeed,” he added.
Obasanjo called on the management of Geometric Power to expand its services to cover more communities in Abia State, highlighting the pivotal role of electricity in driving industrial growth and reducing poverty.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to solving the state’s longstanding electricity challenges. He announced plans to take over electricity distribution in the state from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), a move aimed at ensuring more reliable power supply.
According to Otti, Geometric Power’s installed generation capacity of 141 megawatts is sufficient to serve all nine local government areas within Aba’s industrial zone. He also stressed the importance of maintaining newly installed infrastructure, urging traditional rulers in Osisioma Local Government Area to safeguard the assets against vandalism.
Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman and CEO of Geometric Power, shared the long and determined journey that led to the realization of the power project. “What we are witnessing today is the result of two decades of hard work, strategic investment, and a firm belief in our nation’s potential,” he said.
Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power, echoed the sentiment, stating that their mission goes beyond simply supplying electricity. “It’s about powering potential and creating an environment where industries thrive and communities flourish.”
Also present was Ugochukwu Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power Ltd., who outlined the operational strategies being put in place to ensure consistent electricity distribution across the city.
The Geometric Power project represents Nigeria’s first integrated power utility, combining power generation, distribution, and transmission within one framework. Its success is expected to be a catalyst for industrial transformation, particularly in Aba, a city renowned for its manufacturing and entrepreneurial spirit.
Obasanjo’s comments and the inauguration of the substations come at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with power shortages, economic instability, and a youth unemployment crisis. The event underscored the importance of visionary leadership and indigenous innovation in addressing national challenges.
As the nation looks ahead, the resounding message from Aba is clear: Nigeria does not lack talent or capacity—it only needs the right support, trust, and infrastructure to unleash its potential.