Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again thrown his weight behind the belief that Nigeria holds within itself all it needs to thrive—insisting that with vision, determination, and trust in local expertise, the nation can engineer its own transformation without waiting on foreign solutions.
Obasanjo made these remarks on Monday during the inauguration of new substations under the Geometric Power Plant project in Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State. The commissioning marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s long-standing struggle to stabilize and expand its power sector, and for Obasanjo, it was more than just a technical achievement—it was a validation of Nigerian ingenuity.
Recalling his decision as President to issue a license to Prof. Barth Nnaji, the founder of Geometric Power, Obasanjo said he acted out of conviction that Nigerians were capable of handling high-level infrastructure projects when given the right backing.
"When I gave you my support years ago, some people came to me with doubts,” Obasanjo said during the event. “They questioned why I would entrust such a monumental task to a Nigerian, insisting that you would let me down. But you have proven them wrong—not just for my sake, but for the sake of every Nigerian who believes in this country's potential."
The elder statesman, known for his role in initiating key reforms in the energy sector during his tenure, praised the persistence and progress of the Geometric Power team. He noted that their success stands as a beacon of what is possible when local professionals are empowered and trusted with the nation's development.
“This project is a compelling reminder that we don’t need to look outside for progress,” he continued. “The human capital, the resources, the willpower—it’s all right here. What we must do is believe in ourselves and give our own people the chance to deliver.”
Obasanjo urged the management of Geometric Power to expand their reach beyond the Aba region to other parts of Abia State and eventually across Nigeria. According to him, a wider distribution network would not only improve access to electricity but also serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, employment, and innovation in underserved areas.
He emphasized that power infrastructure remains one of the most critical drivers of national development and that Nigeria's path to greatness must include bold, indigenous-led investments in the energy sector.
In his remarks, Prof. Barth Nnaji thanked Obasanjo for his early and unwavering support, stating that the project would not have materialized without the foundational trust and license issued under his administration. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering consistent, reliable electricity to boost commercial and residential growth in the region.
As dignitaries and community leaders gathered to witness the inauguration, Obasanjo’s message rang clear: Nigeria’s destiny lies not in the hands of others, but in the courage of its own people to build, believe, and break barriers.
