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Enugu 2023: All Eyes On Governor Ugwuanyi As Clamour For Prof. Bart Nnaji Heightens
Professor Bart Nnaji, “a gift to human race”―former US Secretary of State
As political activities for next year’s general elections intensify across Nigeria, Enugu State seems to be a beehive of activities due to the caliber of persons indicating interest in various elective positions to be contested. This is so because since the return of democracy in 1999, the state this time around is experiencing unprecedented buoyancy in number of persons expressing interest to vie for one position or the other among various elective positions of Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly openings that would be up for grabs from the first and second quarters of next year. Some are wondering why this frenzy?
A global citizen and an accomplished astute technocrat, Prof Bart Nnaji, is being called upon by a wide range of groups and opinion moulders in Enugu state and beyond to step out and contest for the governorship of the state.
The clamour for him to run may not be unconnected with the desire among many for him to bring his wealth of experience from the public and private sectors as well as his intellectual capability to bear in consolidating on the gains of the state over the years and create a new pathway for growth in running the government should everything work out successfully.
Another reason is that Enugu being the heart of Igbo land, people of the area are interested in seeing the South East experience industrial and economic transformation beyond it’s present status so that the current wave of restiveness and criminality resulting mainly from lack of jobs in the region could abate.
The heightened quest after him to come and lead Enugu State makes one to ask:
Who Is Professor Bart Nnaji?
Description of the person of Prof. Nnaji is as varied as there are people sharing opinion about him.
Former America Secretary of State, James Baker once described Bart Nnaji as simply, “a gift to human race”.
Also, an American Certified Public Accountant as well as Chartered Global Management Accountant based in USA, Chief Christopher Ogbodo, says that Prof. Bart Nnaji is “a super exceptionally brilliant human being”.
Professor Bart O. Nnaji is the Chairman/CEO of Geometric Power Limited, the first indigenously owned private sector power company in Nigeria. Geometric Power develops and invests in power plants, sub stations, electricity distribution infrastructure and gas pipelines.
He is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Bells University of Technology, Otta Ogun State, Nigeria.
He also Chairs, Advisory Board for Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, Prize for Science.
Prof. Nnaji was Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Power from 2011 to 2012. Prior to that, he served as Special Adviser to the President on Power and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power from 2010 to 2011. During this period, he developed the popular Roadmap for Power Reform in Nigeria. He subsequently led the implementation of the Power Roadmap as well as privatization of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the state-owned utility monopoly as Honourable Minister of Power. During his tenure as Minister, he was a member of the National Economic Management Team, chaired by the President and includes Senior Ministers and select Captains of Industry. He served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council from March 2010 to January 2011 and was the Chairman of the Power committee of the Council. In 1993, he served as Federal Minister of Science and Technology of Nigeria. Prior to his appointment, the Ministry had been abolished by Government. He re-established the Ministry to sustainability to date.
As Minister of Power, the quantum of power rose from about 2800 megawatts to about 5300 megawatts, a landmark achievement in power generation in Nigeria at the time.
As Minister of Power, the quantum of power rose from about 2800 megawatts to about 5300 megawatts, a landmark achievement in power generation in Nigeria at the time.
In 2009, he was appointed by then President Yar’Adua as a member of the National Energy Council (the apex decision making body on energy in Nigeria). He was the pioneer President of the Independent Power Providers Association of Nigeria (IPPAN). He served on the Governing Board of the Nigerian Merit Board from 2008 to January 2014.
Prof Nnaji was a Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst from 1983 to 1996. He subsequently became the Alcoa Foundation Professor of Engineering at University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1996 to 2003. In 2003, he served as the William Kepler Whiteford Professor of Engineering at University of Pittsburgh where he also spearheaded the creation of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Centre for e-Design as a multi-campus NSF Center of Excellence in the United States of America and served as its first Director. He resigned as William Kepler Professor of Engineering and Director of the U.S. NSF Center for e-Design in 2007.
Prof Nnaji also served as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on over $50 million research sponsored by the US National Science Foundation, NATO, US Department of Defence, NASA, GE, Boeing, IBM, Ford Motors, and many other major companies.
He has published 5 books and over 100 technical articles. His book, Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Engineering, won the 1994 world best text book prize for Manufacturing Engineering. He was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Design and Manufacturing and has served as Editor of many professional journals.
He has also served as Chairman of many conferences including the World Conference on Robotics Research (1991); the UN Institute for Training and Research Workshop for diplomats from various parts of the world at the UN headquarters on debt and financial management for developing countries (2001 and 2002).
He has received numerous awards including: 5 honorary doctorates from prestigious Universities; Nigeria’s highest intellectual national honour — Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM); the National Honour – Commander of the Order of Niger (CON); Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Science; Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FAEng); The U.S. Secretary of State’s Distinguished Public Service Award (1995); Distinguished Scientist Award by the World Bank – IMF Africa Group (October 1998); West African Power Industries Life-time Achievement Award for 2014; Onwa Nkanu, conferred on him by all the traditional rulers of Nkanuland/Enugu East Senatorial zone; many other traditional/chieftaincy titles; among other honours and awards.
The acceptance of the calls on Prof Bart Nnaji to run for the governorship seat of Enugu State would have amounted to a distraction from his focus on delivering reliable power to Aba and the environs if not that he has set up a sustainable management structure of international best practice for his Aba Power. He should consider the enormous contributions in development, growth of the state’s economy, job creation among others his governorship would cause for Ndi Enugu.
Prof. Bart Nnaji is widely traveled, well connected both internationally and within Nigeria as to attract investments which will turn Enugu State into investors’ haven to stimulate the state’s economy.
No doubt, if elected governor, his leadership of Enugu State, with that of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State will combine to pull South East out of the developmental woods it is currently enmeshed in.
However, given the prevailing mechanism of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the rulling party in the state on which platform Prof Nnaji is expected to stand for election, the sitting Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, like previous governors in the state wields great influence on who wins the party’s ticket. Therefore, as pressure mounts on Prof Bart Nnaji to contest, all eyes are on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to support a transparent process for the emergence of the best aspirant because at this time in Enugu State’s history, it does not need a pedestrian politician but a seasoned technocrat who understands the mix of politics and governance for greater good for all.
♦ Chijioke Ogbodo, a Managing Partner at GMTNews also authored the article: “Who Is Afraid Of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi”, in 2014.
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As we celebrate the 115th Posthumous birthday of Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Iyanda Awolowo, GCFR, it is essential to reflect on the valuable lessons that today’s politicians can learn from his exemplary leadership. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a visionary and transformative leader, left a lasting legacy of progressive governance, innovative policies, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria. Chief Awolowo’s emphasis on reform to drive progress, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians remains as relevant today as it was during his tenure. In honouring Chief Awolowo’s birthday, it is fitting to consider how his principles can guide policymakers in navigating the complexities of modern governance and leading Nigeria toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Reflecting on the indelible mark he left on Nigeria through his visionary leadership, particularly his groundbreaking free education policy, Chief Awolowo’s legacy continues to resonate with many Nigerians, myself included. Personally, I owe much of who I am today to the opportunities afforded to me through this policy. In honour of Chief Awolowo’s birthday, it is fitting to explore and celebrate his attributes that today’s politicians can emulate for the betterment of our nation.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping modern Nigeria. His commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and progress made him a champion of the common man and a symbol of good governance. As we celebrate his 115th Posthumous birthday, it is important to reflect on his legacy and the values he stood for.
♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute.
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In today’s complex and dynamic workforce, the partnership between the government and labour unions is integral in driving sustainable progress. Both entities need to forge a unified front and identify shared priorities, particularly regarding job creation, workplace safety, fair wages, and social benefits. In doing so, they can collaborate effectively to address the needs of workers while also advancing broader national objectives, such as the establishment of a living wage.
The intricate relationship between government policies and labour unions presents a complex and challenging dynamic. While the government focuses on implementing policies to drive economic growth, social welfare, and national development, labour unions prioritize advocating for the rights and well-being of workers. This dichotomy can result in apparent discord, with labour unions resorting to strikes and protests to express their disagreement with government policies.
As the government pursues policies serving the broader national interest, it is essential to acknowledge the advocacy of labour unions for the welfare of workers. Despite occasional conflicts of interest, fostering understanding and cooperation between these two entities is critical. By delving into the complexities of this relationship and exploring avenues for collaboration, a more balanced and harmonious approach to policy-making can be achieved. This essay highlights the significance of cultivating understanding and cooperation between the government and labour unions, with the ultimate goal of attaining mutually beneficial outcomes.
However, it is important to recognize that both the government and the labour union share a common goal of promoting the welfare and prosperity of the workforce. Instead of approaching issues with hostility, there is a crucial need to foster understanding and cooperation between the two parties. This can be achieved through open dialogue, transparent communication, and a willingness to engage in constructive discussions.
One approach to building understanding and cooperation is for the government to provide comprehensive explanations for its policies and the rationale behind them. When labour unions are presented with clear and detailed information about the objectives and expected outcomes of government policies, they are better equipped to assess the potential impact on their members. This level of transparency helps to dispel any misconceptions or mistrust, paving the way for more informed and productive conversations.
Additionally, the government can actively seek input from labour unions during the policy-making process. By involving union representatives in discussions and seeking their perspectives, the government demonstrates a commitment to considering the interests of workers. This collaborative approach not only enriches the decision-making process but also conveys a message of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Furthermore, the government and labour unions must work together to identify areas of common ground. For instance, in the manufacturing sector, both parties may share a common goal of ensuring workplace safety. By collaborating on safety protocols and regulations, the government and unions can demonstrate their commitment to protecting workers’ well-being. Another example is related to fair wages, where both the government and unions can collaborate to establish minimum wage policies that balance the interests of businesses and workers. In doing so, they can provide a foundation for equitable compensation while also fostering a healthy business environment.
Additionally, in the public sector, both entities can work together to address issues such as pension plans and healthcare benefits, ensuring they align with the needs of employees and the fiscal sustainability of government programs. Through these examples, it is evident that aligning on common objectives allows the government and labour unions to engage in constructive dialogue and collaborative decision-making, yielding benefits for both workers and the broader society.
Certainly! The synergy of working together enables the government and labour unions to come up with a living wage for workers. By collaborating to identify areas of common ground, such as fair wages, both parties can align on the shared objective of ensuring that workers receive a living wage that supports their basic needs and fosters financial stability. For example, in sectors such as hospitality or retail, the government and unions can join forces to establish minimum wage standards that are reflective of the cost of living and provide workers with a means to support themselves and their families.
Furthermore, through open dialogue and collaboration, the government and unions can leverage their combined expertise to develop comprehensive wage policies that address industry-specific challenges while promoting socio-economic prosperity. This cooperative approach not only benefits workers by ensuring a fair and sustainable wage but also supports businesses in attracting and retaining a skilled and motivated workforce. By harnessing the synergy of their efforts, the government and labour unions can pave the way for the implementation of living wage initiatives that not only uplift workers but also contribute to the overall well-being of communities and the economy.
Several real-world examples highlight the power of collaboration between the government and labour unions. In countries such as Germany and the Nordic nations, social dialogue between government, employers, and trade unions has been instrumental in shaping policies that support workers’ rights, economic growth, and social stability. Through constructive negotiation and cooperation, these nations have been able to navigate complex economic challenges while upholding strong labour protections.
Essentially, fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and labour unions is indispensable for the effective implementation of policies and the promotion of the well-being of workers. By prioritizing transparency, dialogue, and collaboration, both parties can find common ground and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. This approach not only promotes social harmony but also leads to more sustainable and impactful policy outcomes. The relationship between the government and labour unions is a fundamental aspect of societal well-being and economic prosperity. It is imperative to recognize that effective policies must consider the rights and welfare of workers in conjunction with the broader national interest.
This cooperative approach is crucial for shaping policies that uphold the rights, dignity, and prosperity of the workforce. It not only fosters a more positive and productive working environment but also contributes to the long-term resilience of the socio-economic fabric. Embracing a spirit of understanding and cooperation between the government and labour unions is not only essential for harmonious labour relations but also integral for the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the economy.
As we move forward, let us recognize the power of collaboration in shaping policies that not only serve economic growth and national development but also prioritize the rights, dignity, and prosperity of the workforce. Promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the government and labour unions is a significant step toward achieving policy outcomes that align with the interests of both parties and contribute to the overall advancement of society.
Conclusively, the synergy between the government and labour unions is imperative for achieving a fair and equitable working environment. By aligning on shared goals related to living wages and other vital employment factors, both parties can harness their collective influence to implement policies that not only benefit individual workers but also contribute to the welfare of the entire society. Through ongoing collaboration and cooperation, they can pave the way for a more resilient and inclusive economy, thereby fostering a better quality of life for all.
♦ Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a college professor
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