The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, felicitates with the Member Representing Ohafia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Urban Renewal, Hon. (Chief) Kalu Mba Nwoke (Etiokwe), on the occasion of his birthday.

The Deputy Governor describes Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke as a committed public servant and a dependable representative of his constituents, whose dedication to the development of Ohafia South and Abia State remains commendable.

Engr. Emetu acknowledges the lawmaker’s contributions to the legislative process and his efforts towards delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of Ohafia South.

He notes that birthdays provide an opportunity not only to celebrate life but also to reflect on the impact made in the service of humanity. He expresses confidence that Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke will continue to deploy his experience, energy and goodwill towards advancing the collective interests of his constituents and the State.

The Deputy Governor wishes Hon. (Chief) Kalu Mba Nwoke many more years of good health, wisdom, fulfilment and greater accomplishments in public service.

He prays that Almighty God will continue to strengthen him, guide his steps and grant him the grace to accomplish even more for his constituents.

Happy birthday and many happy returns!

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
Government House, Umuahia
August 14, 2026

Women living with fibroids and ovarian cysts in Anambra State have begun receiving free surgical treatment as part of a medical outreach organised by the Friends of Soludo to commemorate the birthdays of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo.

The healthcare intervention, which commenced at the Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital in Njikoka Local Government Area, is providing free screenings, treatments and surgeries to residents, particularly those who have been unable to access medical care because of financial constraints.

Among the major components of the programme is free myomectomy for women diagnosed with fibroids, as well as surgical treatment for ovarian cysts and other medical conditions at designated hospitals across the state.

Speaking at the commencement of the exercise on Monday, the Chief Medical Officer of Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr Dozie Udeolisa, described the initiative as a significant intervention that is giving women an opportunity to access treatments they had previously been unable to afford.

According to him, the cost of fibroid surgery can place considerable pressure on families, forcing some patients to postpone treatment and continue living with pain and other complications.

He said the Friends of the Governor had helped remove that financial barrier by providing the surgeries at no cost to beneficiaries.

Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital is one of the designated centres for the programme, with women who completed the required registration and medical screening now undergoing surgery.

Udeolisa explained that screening commenced before the surgical procedures, while a team comprising experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals had been deployed to ensure that beneficiaries receive safe and quality care.

He noted that the duration of each operation varies according to the individual patient’s medical condition, stressing that every case requires a different approach.

The Chief Medical Officer also disclosed that the response from beneficiaries had been encouraging, particularly among women who had previously delayed surgery because they could not afford the associated costs.

He commended Governor Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for supporting the initiative, describing it as a practical expression of compassion and a commitment to improving access to healthcare in the state.

The medical outreach extends beyond fibroid and ovarian cyst surgeries.

According to Udeolisa, free cataract surgeries, alongside glaucoma screening and treatment, are being provided at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre in Nise, while free hernia surgeries are being conducted at the General Hospital, Umueri.

Eligible residents have therefore been encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing intervention.

The organisers assured beneficiaries that the surgeries are completely free and that patients would receive appropriate medical attention throughout the treatment process.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare in Anambra State, with the birthday outreach providing an opportunity to bring essential medical services directly to residents who might otherwise struggle to meet the cost of treatment.

For many beneficiaries, the intervention represents more than a birthday celebration—it is an opportunity to finally receive medical treatment that had been delayed by financial hardship.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that the successful delivery of the Geometric Power Project has become the cornerstone of Abia’s economic transformation, saying the landmark investment has unlocked industrial growth, improved energy stability, and accelerated the state’s transition to clean transportation.

Speaking on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, during the 70th birthday celebration of the Chairman and Founder of Geometric Power Limited, Professor Barth Nnaji, Governor Otti described the renowned engineer and former Minister of Power as a visionary whose resilience has changed the economic fortunes of Abia State.

The Governor praised Professor Nnaji’s exceptional brilliance and determination, noting that his academic achievements and pioneering work in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics came long before the technologies gained global prominence.

“At a time when Artificial Intelligence was still in its infancy, Professor Nnaji had already seen the future,” Governor Otti remarked, adding that the celebrated professor completed a four-year programme at St. John’s University, New York, in just two years and nine months before earning his Master’s degree in 1982 and a PhD a year later.

Otti Credits National Leaders for Saving Geometric Power

Governor Otti also acknowledged the critical contributions of several national leaders whose interventions ensured the survival and eventual completion of the Aba Integrated Power Project.

He singled out the 16th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, for what he described as a decisive intervention during his leadership at the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Recalling the difficult financial period faced by the project, Governor Otti revealed that Sanusi approved the acquisition of Geometric Power’s loan from Diamond Bank, making it possible for the project to access additional financing and continue construction.

He equally commended former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for approving the Aba Ring-fenced Power Project in 2004, a decision he described as the foundation upon which Geometric Power was built.

Governor Otti also applauded Vice President Kashim Shettima for facilitating the gas supply that enabled the commissioning of the Geometric Power Plant in February 2024.

Geometric Power Driving Abia’s Economic Renaissance

According to Governor Otti, the impact of stable electricity is already transforming Abia’s economy.

He disclosed that the availability of reliable power gave his administration the confidence to launch the state’s electric mass transit programme.

“Some of the things happening in Abia today are because we now have power. It was after the emergence of Geometric that we launched our first fleet of electric buses, and the second batch will arrive within the next week,” the Governor said.

He urged Nigerians to emulate Professor Nnaji’s perseverance, innovation, and determination, describing him as a rare example of someone who remained committed to a vision for over two decades without immediate financial reward.

Sanusi: Abia Is Proof That Electricity Drives Economic Growth

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Energy Security and Innovative Service,” former CBN Governor and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, described energy security as the engine of sustainable economic development.

Using Abia State as a practical example, Sanusi said the transformation taking place in the state clearly demonstrates the direct relationship between reliable electricity and economic prosperity.

“If you want to see the impact of electricity on an economy, just look at Geometric and the transformation in Abia. This is living evidence of what people think is theory,” he said.

He described Professor Nnaji as a visionary whose unwavering commitment eventually turned one of Nigeria’s most ambitious private-sector power projects into reality.

Barth Nnaji Appreciates Otti, Sanusi for Standing by Geometric

In his response, Professor Barth Nnaji expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the realization of the Geometric Power Project and thanked family members, friends, associates, and guests for celebrating his 70th birthday.

He paid special tribute to Governor Alex Otti and Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, acknowledging their steadfast support during the project’s most difficult years.

Professor Nnaji particularly recalled their efforts in securing financing for the project and facilitating the conversion of its loans from dollars to naira, describing their contributions as invaluable.

“We thank you, Dr. Alex Otti, for your reliable support and partnership. It is quite incredible that you eventually became Governor of Abia State at the very time this project was completed,” he said.

Biography Unveiled

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Professor Barth Nnaji’s biography titled The Man Who Dared: The Story of Bart Nnaji, chronicling his remarkable journey, resilience, and enduring legacy in Nigeria’s power sector.

The ceremony attracted an impressive gathering of national leaders and distinguished personalities, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi, Mrs. Uche Azikiwe, wife of Nigeria’s first President, the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, captains of industry, academics, and other eminent Nigerians.

The event reinforced the growing recognition of the Geometric Power Project as one of Nigeria’s most impactful private-sector infrastructure investments and a catalyst for Abia State’s ongoing economic renaissance.

The Management and Staff of the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State have extended warm birthday felicitations to the wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, describing her as a woman of grace, compassion, humility, and exceptional service to humanity.

In a goodwill message issued on Friday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, the staff commended Mrs. Emetu’s unwavering commitment to family values and her support for initiatives that promote the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable members of society.

According to the message, Mrs. Emetu’s exemplary lifestyle and dedication to humanitarian causes have earned her admiration and respect from many across Abia State.

The Office noted that her steadfast support for the vision of the present administration continues to inspire hope and encourage meaningful service to the people of the state.

The Management and Staff prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the celebrant, asking Him to grant her good health, divine wisdom, renewed strength, peace, and many more years of purposeful living.

They also expressed confidence that Mrs. Emetu would continue to make valuable contributions to the development of Abia State alongside her husband, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE.

The congratulatory message concluded by wishing Her Excellency a joyful celebration and many happy returns, while reaffirming the Office’s appreciation for her exemplary character and enduring commitment to service.