Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has described Professor Barth Nnaji’s Geometric Power Project in Aba as a landmark investment fuelling the economic growth of the state.

Governor Otti stated this at the weekend during the 70th birthday celebration of the former Minister of Power and the Chairman/Founder of Geometric Power Limited, Professor Nnaji.

Otti eulogised Nnaji for his exceptional intellect, resilience and unwavering commitment to seeing the Aba Integrated Power Project become a reality despite decades of challenges.

“The Geometric Power Project is a landmark investment that has laid the foundation for industrial growth, energy stability, and the State’s transition to cleaner transportation.”

Governor Otti said the impact of the power project is already evident in Abia’s development trajectory.

“Some of the things that are happening in Abia today are because we now have power. It was after the existence of Geometric that gave us the courage to launch our first set of electric buses, and interestingly, the second set will be arriving in another week.”

He urged Nigerians to emulate Professor Nnaji’s perseverance and innovative spirit.

“We need to learn from your resilience, your can-do spirit, your ingenuity and your never-say-die attitude because there are not too many people who can stay on a project for 20 years and earn no dime.”

The Governor described Nnaji as a man who is ahead of his time, noting that he studied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics long before the technology became known globally.

“As at that time, Artificial Intelligence was just coming up, but you saw tomorrow, you completed a four-year programme at St. John’s University, New York, in two years and nine months, before earning your Master’s degree in 1982 and a PhD a year later.”

Professor Nnaji, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the realisation of the Geometric Power Project and equally thanked all who came to celebrate with him.

He gave special recognition to Governor Alex Otti and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, for their unwavering support over the years, recalling their roles in securing financing for the project during their banking careers and facilitating the conversion of the project’s loan from dollars to naira. (The Sun)