Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid glowing tribute to renowned scientist, engineer and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, as he celebrated his 70th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest minds whose contributions have shaped engineering, academia and the nation’s power sector.
Obi also commended economist and academic Prof. Alpheus Bongo Chimaeze Adi of Pan-Atlantic University for delivering what he described as an inspiring inaugural lecture that addressed critical issues surrounding economics and national development.
In a post shared on his social media platforms on Friday, Obi said he joined other Nigerians in Enugu to celebrate Nnaji’s milestone birthday, noting that the event highlighted the professor’s remarkable legacy in science, innovation and public service.
According to him, the tributes from friends, colleagues and admirers reflected the far-reaching impact Nnaji has made throughout his distinguished career.
Recalling their previous working relationship, Obi reflected on his time as Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, when both men collaborated on regional efforts to improve electricity supply.
He said the initiative was driven by a shared belief that stable power remains central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Reflecting on the experience, Obi stated, “We worked closely together on the ambitious initiative to assume greater responsibility for power in the South-East, driven by our shared conviction that reliable electricity remains one of the strongest foundations for economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.”
He further praised Nnaji’s expertise and leadership, saying, “His depth of knowledge, clarity of vision, and practical approach left a lasting impression on all of us.”
Offering his best wishes to the former minister, Obi added, “May Prof. Nnaji’s light continue to shine ever more brightly.”
After the birthday celebration in Enugu, Obi travelled to Lagos to attend the 23rd inaugural lecture of Prof. Alpheus Bongo Chimaeze Adi at Pan-Atlantic University.
The lecture, titled _“The End of Development Economics,”_ examined key issues relating to economics and development, which Obi described as both timely and thought-provoking.
Obi disclosed that he first met Prof. Adi during his 2022 presidential campaign and was impressed by the academic’s grasp of economic and development issues.
He said, “Even then, he distinguished himself as one of our outstanding young intellectuals, demonstrating a profound understanding of economics and development issues.”
According to Obi, celebrating Prof. Nnaji’s 70th birthday and attending Prof. Adi’s inaugural lecture in the same day underscored the importance of recognising excellence across generations.
Describing both scholars as exemplary Nigerians, he concluded, “It was a fitting celebration of two remarkable minds from different generations, whose lives have been defined by excellence, innovation, patriotism, and commitment to Nigeria’s development.”
