Obasanjo Champions Nigerian Ingenuity at Geometric Power Plant Launch in Abia

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s homegrown talent and the nation’s potential for self-driven development. Speaking at the official inauguration of new substations belonging to the Geometric Power Plant in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, on Monday, Obasanjo highlighted the importance of empowering indigenous professionals and relying on local capacity to solve Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.

The event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s power sector, especially in the context of persistent energy deficits that have long hindered industrial growth. For Obasanjo, the success of Geometric Power is more than just a technological achievement; it is a compelling symbol of what Nigerians can accomplish when entrusted with responsibility and given the resources to succeed.

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Indigenous Capacity Is Nigeria’s Path to Progress

According to Obasanjo, Nigeria has no reason to rely perpetually on foreign aid or expertise when it has the human and material capacity to thrive on its own. He emphasized that the country’s journey to greatness lies not in copying external models, but in harnessing local ingenuity, investing in Nigerian professionals, and fostering an environment of trust and innovation.

“From the beginning, I believed in what we can achieve by ourselves, for ourselves, and within ourselves,” Obasanjo declared. “That belief is what led me to issue a power generation and distribution license to Professor Barth Nnaji and his team.”

The Geometric Power Group, led by Prof. Nnaji—a renowned engineer and former Minister of Power—has become a flagship project for private sector involvement in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. The power plant aims to supply electricity to Aba and its surrounding areas, a region widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s key industrial hubs.

Obasanjo noted that when he first backed the initiative during his presidency, he faced skepticism from critics who questioned the wisdom of placing such a monumental project in the hands of Nigerians. However, the results have vindicated his decision.

“Two people came to me and asked why I was giving Nigerians this kind of responsibility. They were convinced you would fail. But you have not failed. You have proven that Nigerian professionals, if empowered, can deliver world-class results,” he said.

A Model of Self-Reliance and Visionary Leadership

Obasanjo used the occasion to call on other Nigerian entrepreneurs and public office holders to draw inspiration from Geometric Power’s journey. He said the project represents a valuable lesson in self-reliance, strategic planning, and the power of indigenous innovation.

“There’s a lesson for all of us to learn here: we don’t have to wait for anyone to do it for us,” he stated. “We have the intelligence, we have the commitment, and we certainly have the drive. The success of Geometric Power should serve as a wake-up call.”

He also praised Prof. Nnaji’s dedication and perseverance in pushing through the numerous bureaucratic and technical hurdles that often plague large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria. From financing delays to land acquisition issues and regulatory approvals, Geometric Power faced many challenges over the years, but continued to move forward with determination.

Call for Expansion and Industrial Growth

Looking ahead, Obasanjo urged Prof. Nnaji and his team to broaden the scope of Geometric Power’s operations across other parts of Abia State and beyond. He stressed that steady and reliable electricity is a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly for Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban and industrial centers.

“I encourage you to continue expanding your distribution services. Aba is just the beginning. We need this kind of infrastructure in every state to ignite true industrialization,” Obasanjo advised.

He highlighted how improved electricity supply in Aba would catalyze economic activities, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that dominate the region’s commercial landscape. From shoemaking and textile manufacturing to food processing and fabrication, businesses in Aba have long struggled under the burden of erratic power supply.

A Testament to Vision and Execution

The successful commissioning of the substations comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s push for energy sector reform. The country, with a population of over 200 million people, still struggles with electricity generation and distribution that falls far below demand. Projects like Geometric Power represent a practical and replicable model of public-private partnerships aimed at closing that gap.

Obasanjo’s presence at the inauguration served not only as a validation of the project’s significance but also as a reminder of what bold leadership and belief in local capability can achieve.

“Let us stop doubting ourselves,” he concluded. “Let us stop importing what we can produce. And most importantly, let us believe in our people. If we do, there’s no limit to what this nation can accomplish.”

As Nigeria continues its journey toward economic self-sufficiency, the story of Geometric Power may stand as one of the defining narratives of how faith in local talent, backed by visionary leadership, can reshape the nation’s destiny.