Kashim Shettima Commissions Bart Nnaji’s $800m Geometric Power Plant in Aba
History was made in Aba following the ground-breaking commissioning of Prof. Bart Nnaji’s $800m Geometric Power Plant by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima on Monday, February 26, 2024.
The 181-megawatts state-of-the-art Geometric Power Plant located at Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba is the first Independent Power Plant in Nigeria.
The project was initiated in 2004 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
In his address, the Chairman of Geometric Power Group, Prof. Bart Nnaji described the project as a child of necessity born 20 years ago when the then World Bank President, Sir James David Wolfensohn and former Finance Minister of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who is the current Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO) met with Aba industrialists on March 17, 2004.
At the meeting the Ariaria manufacturers were asked to identify their number one problem, which was to be addressed significantly and they said it was reliable power supply.
So their desire for uninterrupted power supply made them to come up with the idea of Abia Independent Power Plant (IPP) as the best way to ensure that the Aba metropolis quickly had a reliable power supply.
Prof. Bart Nnaji said that the Geometric Power Plant would make Aba the industrial hub in Africa and give 24/7 power supply to the city of Aba and its environs.
He appreciated some individuals and financial institutions such as Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Bank of Industry, AMCON, First Bank, AFREXIM Bank and its founder, Prof. Okey Oramah including past administrations in Abia State for their support in different ways right from the Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief T. A. Orji, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and the present administration of Dr. Alex Otti.
He extolled NNPC and other key federal gas institutions that have continued to support them to ensure that project comes alive.
He applauded former President Buhari’s team led by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola for initiating out of court settlement of the disputed ringed fence of Aba Power with EEDC as well as the incumbent President Bola Tinubu for sending his team to come and resolve what was becoming a very dangerous issue in completing the power plant.
He thanked the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and other notable dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
He assured the people that if they have reliable supply of gas they would provide adequate electricity supply to Aba metropolis and nine out of the seventeen local government areas of Abia State.
He appreciated the host community for their support adding that the onus of providing reliable supply of gas now lies on the government.
He explained that his decision to site the Geometric Power Plant in Aba was because of his passion to contribute to the industrial development of Igbo Land in a manner that would accelerate development of the nation.
He described Aba as the home of indigenous manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship adding that the
Geometric Power Limited would contribute to reviving the prosperous economic days of the Great Zik of Africa, Dr. M.I. Okpara and many others.
He assured the people that once Geometric Power addresses the electricity challenge in nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State fully, the state would witness a quantum leap in every sector.
In his remarks, Adebayo Adelabu described the occasion as the happiest day in his life since he became the Minister of Power.
He expressed great delight that the Independent Aba Power Project, which began in 2004 was commissioned during his tenure describing it as an indication that power problem in the nation would be fully resolved during his tenure.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the project as well as Prof. Bart Nnaji for his resilience in nursing the project to full operation despite numerous challenges.
He appealed to the people to secure the power plant as well as to pay their electricity bill as at when due.
He advised them to refrain from attacking electricity distribution company officials while performing their legitimate duty.
In his speech titled the Power to Dream, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) appreciated all for turning out in their numbers to witness the dawn of a new era in Electricity Generation and Transmission in Nigeria.
He appreciated Prof. Bart Nnaji and his beautiful wife, Agatha, the Board and Management of Geometric Power Limited, all their partners and stakeholders for their unwavering vision and resilience towards the actualization of the project.
He acknowledged the commitment of the Federal Government to the realization of the project after several twists and turns, the goodwill of the Aba Business Community and the patience of the founder, Prof. Bart Nnaji.
Dr. Alex Otti recalled that as a leader in the private sector so many years ago and as a governor now that he considered the Geometric Power Plant very dear to his heart because of the immense potentials it holds for the economic and social rejuvenation of Aba as a preferred destination.
He recounted how his journey with Geometric Power Plant began in 2010 when Prof. Bart Nnaji came to see him at First Bank in Lagos when they needed the support of the bank to complete the project, the funding of which had abruptly stopped two years before his visit.
He appreciated the pivotal roles played by former governors of Abia State, particularly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who issued initial waiver for the project, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe who played a significant role in the ownership tussle and Prof. Okey Oramah of AFREXIM Bank who got his bank to support the project as well as other stakeholders who contributed to the actualization of the project.
He urged the people to pay their electricity bill and refrain from any act aimed at sabotaging the revenue accruing to the company.
Speaking while commissioning the project, the Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima said that the project is an eloquent testimony of the power of dreams.
He stated that dreams when persistent are capable of turning out into realities.
He appreciated Prof. Bart Nnaji for his resilience in transforming his dream into reality.
He said that the Geometric Power Plant in Aba is dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and lauded him for making sure that the project came on stream for the benefit of Nigerians.
The vice president who had earlier in the day commissioned Hospital Road, Jubilee Road and Omoba Road, all in Aba extolled the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for his quality leadership adding that the people of Abia State are witnessing democracy dividends under his administration.
He noted that the accomplishments of Dr. Alex Otti has brought development in Abia State and expressed optimism that many great things would come to the people of the state.
He said that posterity would not forget Dr. Alex Otti and urged him to sustain his good works in the state.
The vice president was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Enyioma Ndigbo ‘.
The historic event attracted the presence of notable politicians, captains of industry, financial institutions, top government officials and other distinguished personalities from far and near.
Some of those present include wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Engr. Melee Kyari (Group Managing Director of NNPC), Prof. Chidi Onyia, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba (chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers), HRM Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (CFR, mni), Bianca Odimegwu Ojukwu, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Austin Akobundu,, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini (Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly), Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema (Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese), Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, Amb. Okey Emuche, Barr. Chimezie Ani, Engr. George Ndubueze Ugwu, Prof. Okey Oramah, Engr. Dal Uzu among others.
At the end, the following personalities bared their minds on the occasion in a chat with newsmen. Excerpts.
Sir Lawrence Obeta
(Former President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, ACCIMA)
I give God all the glory. It started like a dream when I was the chairman of IPMAN, NNPC, Aba Depot. And today the idea has become a reality. It would make Aba-the manufacturing hub of the nation to bounce back to life. Electricity had been out greatest challenge in Aba over the years. So many businesses closed down because of no electricity and others left Aba for other parts of the nation. But with what Prof. Bart Nnaji has done those things are now history. We are going to have power 24/7 in Aba. I congratulate him and all the people who contributed immensely towards the realization of the project.
I equally give kudos to the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for changing the landscape of Abia State. He has constructed many roads with streetlights in Aba and other parts of the state. Aba now resembles Dallas in the United States of America. The Geometric Power Plant would create jobs for our teeming youths thus reducing the incidence of crime in the state.
I appreciate the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who sent his vice, Kashim Shettima to come and commission the project. I assure them that Prof. Bart Nnaji would deliver while calling on Aba residents to pay their electricity bill as at when due.
Dr. Eric Egwuibe
(Mayor of Obingwa LGA)
I feel so happy that the dream of Geometric Power Plant in Aba has not only been finally realized but also realized at a time we have a governor that is focused and determined to revive Aba and bring it to what Aba used to be. The Geometric Power Plant has a lot of advantages. Aba residents would now enjoy steady power supply and that would help them in their businesses. People can work all day long even at night. So many businesses that were shut down because of high operating cost would now come back to life. And because of the 24 hour power supply many companies would come to establish in Aba. I urge the consumers to pay their electricity bill.
Chief Jerry O. Kalu (Osimiri), (CEO of Transmedia Group)
We are very happy because so many industries that had closed down in Aba are going to be reopened now that there is 24/7 power supply in the city. Over eighty percent of Aba populace are artisans. So with the commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant most of them would go back to their businesses. I urge Prof. Bart Nnaji to make sure that power supply would be steady because Aba residents and industrialists would gladly pay their electricity bill so long as the power supply is steady.
HRM Eze Chidi Nkoro (JP) (Ocham 11 of Umuocham autonomous community in Osisioma Ngwa LGA)
I am the Chairman, Osisioma Ngwa Council of Traditional Rulers. I am happy that this great thing is happening in my place today. May God bless Prof. Bart Nnaji for situating the Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma. We are proud of him. We have suffered a lot because of lack of power supply over the years. But today God has remembered us through Prof. Bart Nnaji. I urge all those businesses that left Aba to come back because God has turned out sorrow to joy. The Geometric Power Plant would be of immense benefits to us. First and foremost, it would provide jobs for our teeming unemployed youths.
Ancient Prince Stanley Ezenta Eze
I am from Enugu State but I live here in Aba. I am very happy because what appeared to be an impossibility initially has finally become possible. The Geometric Power Plant would attract investors and great development to the state. All the companies that ran away from Aba many years ago would come back and new ones would also come in because the beauty of any society is light. The present Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has done so well in restoring Aba to its former glory. He has done so many roads in Aba and the entire state and now that our brother, Prof. Bart Nnaji has brought steady power supply in Aba things would begin to move smoothly in the city and the entire state. Aba residents have started saying positive things about Geometric Power Plant and my prayer is that now light has come to Aba, let it be steady so that we would continue to enjoy so many good things in the state.
HRM Igwe Don Sylvester
(Isi I of Isiozara, Enugu State)
I feel so happy. It is very wonderful. I thank God for using our brother, Prof. Bart Nnaji to site the project in Igbo Land. He has made us and the entire nation proud. I pray that he would replicate it in other cities in the Southeast. It is a welcome development and we are going to reap the huge dividends thereof. I implore Aba residents to pay their electricity bill in order to serve them better.
Hon. Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo (Chairman, Eziukwu Road Market Aba/President, ASMATA)
We thank God for using Prof. Bart Nnaji to establish the Geometric Power Plant in Aba. It is a welcome development and many companies that left Aba over the years would come back. We thank him for keeping the dream alive despite numerous challenges. I call on all those that ran away from Aba to come back because light has come. We will pay our electricity bill to ensure its continued operation.
