Peter Obi has honoured two respected Nigerian academics in one day. The former Anambra State governor celebrated Prof. Barth Nnaji on his 70th birthday before attending Prof. Alpheus Bongo Chimaeze Adi’s inaugural lecture. He described both scholars as symbols of excellence and national development.
ENUGU, NIGERIA — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has joined family members, associates and admirers in celebrating renowned engineer and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, on his 70th birthday. In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Obi praised Nnaji’s contributions to engineering, innovation, academia, public service and Nigeria’s electricity sector, describing him as one of the pioneers of the E-Design concept.
Why This Happened
According to Obi, the birthday celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on Prof. Nnaji’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the power sector. He recalled working closely with the former minister during his time as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum on efforts to improve electricity supply across the region.
Obi said the initiative was driven by a shared belief that reliable power remains essential for economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
What He Said
Obi said the tributes paid to Prof. Nnaji reflected the lasting impact he has made in engineering, academia and public service. He also prayed that the professor would continue to inspire future generations through his work and leadership.
After leaving Enugu, Obi travelled to Lagos, where he attended the 23rd Inaugural Lecture delivered by Prof. Alpheus Bongo Chimaeze Adi of Pan-Atlantic University, titled “The End of Development Economics.” Obi described Adi as one of Nigeria’s promising young intellectuals and commended his understanding of economics and national development.
Who Is Prof. Barth Nnaji?
Prof. Barth Nnaji is a Nigerian engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and former Minister of Power. He is widely recognised for his contributions to engineering innovation, higher education and the development of Nigeria’s electricity sector. Over the years, he has remained a respected voice on energy policy and industrial development.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development highlights the growing recognition of academic excellence and innovation as important drivers of national development. Obi’s tribute underscores the role experienced professionals and emerging scholars continue to play in shaping conversations around Nigeria’s economy, education, technology and infrastructure.
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