Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and other prominent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, as he marked his 70th birthday.
The tributes were delivered on Friday at a birthday symposium held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
The event was themed “Powering Tomorrow: 70 Years of Engineering the Common Good.”
Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, described Nnaji as a successful leader whose life and career reflected excellence, service and transformational impact.
The former president said true success should be measured not only by personal achievement, but by the ability to improve institutions, people and communities.
He said Nnaji had left strong marks in the various institutions and sectors where he had served.
Obasanjo also prayed for the celebrant’s long life, saying the gathering was a celebration of achievement, leadership and excellence.
Vice President Shettima was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Infrastructure and Power, Sadiq Wanka.
Shettima described Nnaji as a visionary builder whose work had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s electricity sector and power infrastructure.
He compared Nnaji’s impact to that of renowned inventor Thomas Edison, saying both men understood that electricity could only transform society when backed by strong transmission and distribution systems.
The vice president praised Nnaji’s achievements in academia, research, engineering and innovation.
He said Nnaji had lectured in leading institutions, written influential engineering works and earned international recognition as an inventor.
Shettima also commended his ability to turn ideas into practical solutions, especially through Geometric Power and the Aba Ring-Fenced electricity model.
He described the Aba power project as an important example of a sustainable response to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
The vice president urged Nigerians to support efforts to expand similar models across the country.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah described Nnaji as one of Enugu State’s most outstanding sons.
Mbah said the former minister’s life showed that knowledge, innovation and excellence should be used to serve humanity.
He said Nnaji’s journey from a modest background in Enugu to academic success in the United States and global recognition in engineering remained an inspiration to young people.
The governor noted that Nnaji made major contributions in engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics before returning to Nigeria to invest in national development.
Mbah praised him for investing in power infrastructure, education and youth development.
He said Nnaji’s greatest legacy was not only in what he built, but in the opportunities he created for others.
In his keynote address, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described Nnaji as a courageous entrepreneur who persevered despite major bureaucratic, financial and regulatory challenges.
Sanusi recalled working closely with Nnaji during his time as Managing Director of First Bank and later as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He said the Aba Integrated Power Project had become a strong example of indigenous private-sector investment in Africa.
The emir said Nigeria needed more entrepreneurs willing to invest in productive sectors rather than speculative ventures.
According to him, people like Nnaji are essential to building a real economy and a sustainable future.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti also praised Nnaji’s academic and professional accomplishments.
Otti described him as a forward-looking innovator who was ahead of his time in engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence.
He commended Nnaji’s determination in pursuing the Geometric Power project despite several obstacles.
Otti also recalled the support he provided during his banking career to help facilitate funding for the project.
Responding, Nnaji thanked the dignitaries for honouring him and expressed gratitude to governments, financial institutions and development partners that supported the Aba Integrated Power Project.
He particularly appreciated Obasanjo for approving the project during his administration, describing the decision as visionary and important to its success.
Nnaji also thanked Vice President Shettima and officials in the Presidency for supporting infrastructure and power development.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his long-standing support, including assistance during his banking career that helped Geometric Power secure financing at a critical stage.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Uche Azikiwe, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Kelvin Chukwu and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Azuta Mbah.
Others included state and federal lawmakers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from different sectors.
