By Chijioke Ogbodo

An inaugural lecture which is only presented by a full professor signifies the introduction of a new professor. It is an academic event where the professor presents their research and future plans. It is usually attended by colleagues, students, and sometimes the public. The lecture celebrates the professor’s achievements and fosters engagement with the academic community. The 44th Inaugural Lecture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, delivered by Professor Josiah Chukwudi Onovo, marked a significant milestone in the discourse on renewable energy in Nigeria. Born in Sokoto in 1972 and educated in Plateau State, Professor Onovo’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Botany from the University of Jos. He then earned an M.Sc. in Environmental Biology & Genetics from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Titled “Genetically Modified Switchgrass: A Harbinger for Renewable Energy and Economic Growth,” the lecture delved into the transformative potential of genetically modified (GM) switchgrass in addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis and fostering economic growth.

The Promise of Biofuels: Enhancing Energy Security and Diversifying Fuel Sources

At the heart of Professor Onovo’s lecture is the proposition that biofuels, especially those derived from non-edible, locally available feedstocks like switchgrass, are crucial for enhancing energy security and diversifying fuel sources in Nigeria. This focus is underpinned by Professor Onovo’s extensive background in plant genetics and biotechnology, which has enabled him to contribute substantially to the understanding and manipulation of plant systems for better biofuel production. He emphasized that “switchgrass can be cultivated in any part of Nigeria. It has wide adaptability and can be produced on an industrial scale, but currently has limited commercialization due to the recalcitrant nature of the lignocellulosic cell wall of switchgrass.” This quality makes switchgrass an ideal candidate for biofuel production, which could provide a sustainable energy source that reduces the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption.

Overcoming Barriers to Bioethanol Production: The Role of Genetic Modification

One of the major technical barriers to the large-scale production of bioethanol from plant biomass is the resistance of sugars embedded in plant cell walls to enzymatic breakdown. Professor Onovo’s research has been pivotal in addressing this challenge. After joining Nasarawa State University, Keffi, in 2005 and rising to the rank of full Professor on October 1, 2018, he has focused on modifying the structural complexity of lignocellulosic biomass, particularly switchgrass, to make it more amenable to enzymatic conversion. “This is the main reason we embarked on the genetic modification of the cell wall of switchgrass for efficient conversion into biofuel,” he explained. “By modifying the plant’s cell wall structure, we increase the accessibility of cellulose to enzymatic action, thereby boosting bioethanol yields.” This approach is expected to reduce the quantity of enzymes required for conversion, lowering production costs and increasing profitability.

Comparative Analysis: Learning from Global Biofuel Leaders

In understanding the potential impact of biofuels, particularly switchgrass, on Nigeria’s energy landscape, it is instructive to examine the strategies employed by countries that have successfully integrated biofuels into their energy mix. Drawing from his involvement in extensive research and training both locally and internationally, Professor Onovo discussed how Brazil and the United States have leveraged their domestic resources to foster a sustainable biofuel industry. Brazil, for instance, has created a robust biofuel industry that has reduced its dependence on imported oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Similarly, the United States has leveraged its vast agricultural resources to become a leading producer of bioethanol, primarily derived from corn. These countries’ success stories highlight the importance of government support and the strategic use of domestic resources in fostering a sustainable biofuel industry. Drawing lessons from these countries, Nigeria can design a framework tailored to its unique context, focusing on non-edible feedstocks like switchgrass to avoid the food-versus-fuel debate.

Promoting Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Prof. Josiah Chukwudi Onovo

For Nigeria to realize the full potential of switchgrass as a biofuel feedstock, it is essential to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, research institutions, and local communities. Professor Onovo, who has served in key roles such as Head of Department and Dean, highlighted the importance of leveraging his experience in leadership and collaboration to drive the success of biofuel projects. “Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for the success of biofuel projects, ensuring that the diverse interests and concerns of all parties are adequately addressed,” he noted. The government must provide policy support, including subsidies and grants for research and development, while public-private partnerships can scale up production and promote widespread adoption of biofuels.

Enhancing Research and Development

Professor Onovo’s work emphasizes the critical role of research and development (R&D) in unlocking the potential of biofuels in Nigeria. Adequate funding and support for R&D are essential to develop the necessary technologies for biofuel production. This includes the genetic modification of switchgrass to enhance cellulase expression and the development of efficient methods for converting plant biomass into ethanol. His dedication to advancing plant science is reflected in his active involvement in professional bodies like the African Crop Science Society. As Professor Onovo highlighted, “Our genetic modification framework not only aims to improve bioethanol yields but also seeks to reduce production costs, making biofuels more competitive with fossil fuels.” He also emphasized the need for international collaboration in biofuel research to accelerate technological advancements and overcome shared challenges in renewable energy development.

Leveraging Technological Innovations

Technological innovation is a key driver of growth in the biofuel industry. Advances in biotechnology, such as those demonstrated by Professor Onovo, have the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of biofuel production processes. His innovative approach, particularly in the genetic modification of crops for enhanced biofuel production, positions him as a leading figure in exploring sustainable biofuel options for Nigeria. Professor Onovo stated, “Genetic modifications that enhance biomass digestibility represent a promising approach to overcoming current limitations in bioethanol production.”

Prof. Kweku Archimpong, a professor of crop science based in Accra, Ghana, who attended the lecture, highlighted the importance of ongoing research and technological advancements. “The potential for switchgrass in biofuel production is immense, and Professor Onovo’s approach to tackling the cell wall resistance is both innovative and necessary. This lecture was a masterclass in addressing one of the most critical barriers in bioethanol production,” he noted.

Prof. Daniel Labaran, a switchgrass enthusiast based in Port Harcourt, also shared his thoughts: “The work being done by Professor Onovo is incredibly promising. Switchgrass has long been overlooked, and his efforts to genetically modify it for bioethanol production could significantly impact our energy landscape. This lecture has truly opened my eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead.”

Similarly, Engr. Uchenna Ani, CEO of Integriti Technologies, an Abuja-based IT servicing conglomerate, attended the lecture and praised the technological insights shared. He remarked, “Professor Onovo’s innovative approach to utilizing genetic modifications in biofuel production is a game-changer for the industry. His research offers new avenues for sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.”

The lecture attracted a wide array of notable figures, including Prof. E. H. Kwon-Ndung, Director of the Center for Energy Studies at the Federal University of Lafia; Prof. F. C. Onwuliri and Prof. Patricia Lar from the University of Jos; and Dr. Rojin George, Head of the Tissue Culture Department at Contec Global Agro Limited, Abuja, among many others. Their presence underscored the importance of the topic and the respect held for Professor Onovo’s contributions to the field.

Professor Josiah Chukwudi Onovo’s 44th Inaugural Lecture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has brought to the forefront the immense potential of genetically modified switchgrass as a catalyst for renewable energy and economic growth in Nigeria. His pioneering research on the genetic modification of switchgrass to enhance bioethanol production represents a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy. By adopting biofuels derived from non-edible, locally available feedstocks such as switchgrass, Nigeria can diversify its energy sources, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic development while mitigating environmental degradation.

To fully realize these benefits, Nigeria must invest in research and development, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and implement supportive policies that promote the sustainable growth of the biofuel industry. With visionary leadership and collaborative efforts, Nigeria can harness the power of biofuels to drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and protect the environment for future generations.

Chijioke Ogbodo, mnipr, is a seasoned journalist and broadcaster with over 20 years of experience in media. He is the Managing Partner at GMTNewsng.com. Chijioke can be reached at: [email protected] or [email protected]

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▪️Chijioke Ogbodo

Atlanta, July 6, 2024 – The bustling city of Atlanta played host to the annual convention of the Nnewi USA (NUSA), bringing together the diaspora community to discuss pressing issues facing their homeland. This year’s event, held at the Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway, was marked by a poignant and insightful keynote address delivered by Chief Ben Etiaba FCA, titled “Urbanization and Security Challenges in Nnewi.”

Chief Etiaba, a prominent figure in ethical leadership and a Fellow of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, shared his deep concerns and thoughtful solutions regarding the rapid urbanization and escalating security issues in Nnewi, a city known for its commercial prowess and vibrant culture.

A Storied History and Notable Heroes

A cross-section of the audience

Nnewi, often referred to as the “Japan of Africa” for its industrial achievements, has a rich history filled with remarkable individuals who have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Chief Etiaba began his address by paying tribute to these figures, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past while forging a path for the future.

“In business, we owe much to pioneers like Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu OBE and Dr. Cletus Ibeto CON, whose entrepreneurial spirit has put Nnewi on the global map,” Chief Etiaba stated. He also highlighted leaders in politics and professional fields, including Rt. Hon. Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu GCFR and Professor ABC Nwosu, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the community.

The Visionary Igwe’s Blueprint

Chief Etiaba recounted the visionary efforts of HRH Igwe Dr. K.O.N Orizu III CON, who, in the early 1970s, laid the foundation for Nnewi’s transformation into a commercial and industrial hub. “Igwe Orizu’s vision to establish the Nkwo Nnewi Motor Spare Parts market was a masterstroke,” Etiaba noted. “It catalyzed economic activities and nurtured the ‘Igba Boy’ system, a unique venture capital model recognized by Harvard University.”

The Igwe’s foresight led to Nnewi’s reputation as an industrial powerhouse, hosting major manufacturing firms like Ibeto Group, Innoson Group, and Chicason Group. However, this rapid development has not been without its challenges.

Urbanization: Blessing and Curse

Urbanization, as Chief Etiaba pointed out, is a double-edged sword. It brings economic growth and opportunities but also leads to significant challenges, especially when unplanned. “Nnewi has evolved into an urban city, albeit an unplanned one,” he said. “This has resulted in severe air pollution, urban slums, inadequate housing, and a sharp increase in crime rates.”

Chief Etiaba illustrated the dire situation with statistics, noting that Nnewi’s population grew by 5% in 2024, reaching 1,301,000. This rapid growth, while indicative of the city’s attractiveness, has strained infrastructure and services, leading to overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and environmental degradation.

Security Concerns: A Growing Menace

Perhaps the most pressing issue Chief Etiaba addressed was the alarming state of security in Nnewi. “Our city is presently very insecure,” he lamented. He cited the 2020 End SARS protests, which severely disrupted police operations, and the 2021 Owerri Prison break, which unleashed a wave of seasoned criminals into the region.

L – R: Ben Etiaba, Dr. Obi Orizu, Mrs Lois Ofomata and daughter, Chineze.

“The situation is dire,” Chief Etiaba warned. “Just days ago, several residents, including a vigilante commander, were killed by gunmen. This is a grim reminder of the daily threats our people face.” He emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle the menace of crime.

Community Voices: A Call for Collective Action

The convention also featured contributions from notable Nnewi sons, such as Chief George Moghalu and Bishop Ndubuisi Obi. Chief Moghalu highlighted the role of urbanization in exacerbating security challenges. “Nnewi’s rapid population growth, without commensurate infrastructural development, has led to severe security issues,” he remarked. “We must support and collaborate with security agencies to address these challenges.”

Bishop Ndubuisi Obi shared insights from the Diocese of Nnewi’s efforts to create employment and empower the youth. “We have built an oil and gas station, developed a food market, and established vocational institutes,” the Bishop explained. “These initiatives provide jobs and help mitigate the root causes of insecurity.”

Solutions and Hope for the Future

Chief Etiaba proposed a multifaceted approach to address Nnewi’s security and urbanization challenges. “Education, both formal and vocational, is key,” he asserted. “We must enhance and aggressively pursue educational opportunities to get our youths off the streets and into jobs.”

He also advocated for a new security levy to fund an expanded and modernized security network, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering. “A fortified security vigilante outfit, equipped with modern tools and adequate funding, is crucial,” he said.

Furthermore, Chief Etiaba called for the regulation of tricycles and motorcycles, often linked to security incidents, and the establishment of a comprehensive database of residents and properties. “Clear sightlines, effective lighting, and well-maintained areas can deter crime and create a sense of ownership and responsibility,” he explained.

A Vision for a Greater Nnewi

The convention concluded with a sense of optimism and determination. Chief Etiaba’s address, along with contributions from community leaders, underscored the need for collective action and strategic planning. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” Chief Etiaba quoted Helen Keller, encapsulating the spirit of the event.

As NUSA members and attendees left the Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway, they carried with them a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nnewi. The discussions and ideas shared during the convention will undoubtedly shape the future of their beloved city.

In Their Own Words: Voices from the Convention

Interviews with attendees provided further depth to the discussions. Dr. Julian Anagbogu, National President of NUSA, expressed his gratitude for Chief Etiaba’s insightful address. “Chief Etiaba’s analysis was both comprehensive and inspiring,” Dr. Anagbogu said. “His solutions offer a roadmap for our collective efforts.”

Mrs. Stella Okoli OON, a business leader from Nnewi, echoed the need for community involvement. “We have always been resilient and resourceful,” she stated. “By coming together and supporting initiatives like those proposed by Chief Etiaba, we can overcome these challenges.”

Young professionals also shared their perspectives. Chijioke Okoli Esq SAN, a lawyer and activist, highlighted the importance of engaging the youth. “Our generation has the energy and creativity to drive change,” he said. “We must be included in the conversation and given opportunities to contribute.”

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Progress

The 2024 NUSA convention served as a catalyst for addressing critical issues in Nnewi. The ideas and solutions proposed by Chief Etiaba and other speakers will form the basis for future initiatives aimed at improving urban planning, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth.

As Nnewi continues to evolve, the collective efforts of its diaspora community, local leaders, and residents will be essential in navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities of urbanization. The spirit of collaboration and commitment to progress, as demonstrated at the convention, provides a hopeful outlook for the future of Nnewi.

Final Thoughts

Chief Ben Etiaba’s keynote address at the NUSA convention was a powerful call to action for the Nnewi community. His insights into the complexities of urbanization and security challenges, coupled with practical solutions and a deep appreciation for Nnewi’s rich heritage, resonated with attendees and set the stage for meaningful change.

As Nnewi faces the future, the lessons learned and the strategies discussed at this convention will guide its path toward a safer, more prosperous, and well-planned city. The Nnewi community, both at home and abroad, stands united in their commitment to realizing this vision.

Chief Etiaba’s closing words, “May Almighty God continue to bless our ancient city of Nnewi and its people,” reflect the deep love and hope that drive this community forward. With determination and collective effort, Nnewi can overcome its challenges and continue to thrive as a beacon of resilience and progress.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The 2024 NUSA convention was not just a gathering of minds but a pivotal moment for the Nnewi community. The discussions held and the solutions proposed offer a blueprint for addressing the urgent issues of urbanization and security in Nnewi. As attendees return to their respective homes, the spirit of collaboration and the commitment to positive change will undoubtedly drive efforts to make Nnewi a safer and more prosperous city.

Chief Ben Etiaba’s keynote address was a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of strategic planning. As Nnewi navigates the challenges of urbanization, the lessons from this convention will guide its journey toward a brighter future.

The Nnewi community, united in their love for their homeland, is poised to take the necessary steps to ensure that their city continues to thrive. With a shared vision and a commitment to progress, Nnewi can overcome its challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

A Community United: The Road Ahead

The road ahead for Nnewi is filled with challenges, but the community’s resilience and determination provide a strong foundation for progress. The insights and solutions shared at the NUSA convention will serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a safer, more prosperous Nnew

C. Don Adinuba

As Bart Nnaji, founder and chairman of the Geometric Power group, Nigeria’s only integrated electricity organization, turns 68 today (Saturday, July 13, 2024), one important lesson our countrymen and women can learn from him is the imperative of matchless optimism. Even when all hope is forlorn and all available evidence points to gloom and doom, Nnaji not only expects the best but also works passionately towards delivering superior performance. At a time when top Western multinationals are leaving Nigeria in droves, Nnaji is demonstrating unparalleled patriotism: he is leading General Electric of the United States, the world’s oldest and largest electricity equipment manufacturing company in the world, to build another power-generating firm in Aba, Abia State. If not for the Federal Government’s suspension of power purchase agreements (PPAs) some years ago, the plant would have been completed by now. This is a story for another day.

Indeed, only a person with Nnaji’s faith in Nigeria could insist, for a whole 20 years, on proceeding with the 188 Megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba and the Aba Power Electric Company to a positive conclusion, despite the spirited determination of top and powerful Federal Government officials between 2012 and 2015. These investments, the largest in the Southeast, are worth S800m. The fact that the Aba Independent Power Project was commissioned last February 26 is nothing short of a miracle. It is frequently difficult to comprehend what drives Nnaji’s optimism against all evidence and rationality. This is all the more so because, as the great American thinker, Francis Fukuyama, notes in The End of History and The Last Man, we live in a world where pessimists are considered profound and optimists are regarded as naïve, even when events eventually vindicate optimists.

The streak of boundless optimism has enabled Nnaji to record several significant attainments. He joined the University of Massachusetts in 1983 at the age of 26 and rose to Professor and Director of Automation and Robotics Laboratory almost within the twinkle of an eye. He was the first Black person to be become tenured full Professor of Engineering in the University. In 1996, the University of Pittsburgh named him Distinguished Professor of Engineering. No Black person by then had been named a Distinguished Professor in Engineering in American history. At St John’s University in New York, he made history in 1980 as the best graduating student in physics and mathematics. No black person had emerged as the best overall student in the institution which was then 120 years old.

An incident that occurred when he was in year five at Saint Patrick’s Secondary School Emene, Enugu, is worth recalling. During the inter-house sports competition, there were no persons to represent his house in two or three field and track events. He was the Deputy Senior Prefect, so he felt personally challenged. Though he had never participated in any sporting competition, he took up the gauntlet. Nnaji surprisingly took the first position in the long jump and triple jump, defeating star athletes representing East Central State in national competitions.

Nnaji was thus buoyed to represent his house in two other races, hurdles and 100 meters. He came first in each. By the time anyone could say, Bart, he had begun to represent East Central State, now comprising Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, in national competitions. In one of the events in 1975, he met, among other great sports icons, Emmanuel Okala of the famous Enugu Rangers Football Club who was to become Nigeria’s most legendary goalkeeper. They are still friends.

Nnaji joined the East Central State Sports Council, as Okala had done. He received scholarships to study in the United States for excellence in sports and academics. Though one of the scholarships came from Columbia University in New York, an Ivy League institution, Nnaji chose the one from St John’s University because of his devotion to the Catholic Church which owns the institution. Much as he would have accepted the offer from Columbia if he had known what he now knows about the rankings of the two New York universities, he is very proud of the ethics and values St John imbued in him, especially regarding working for the public good. Lest we forget, Nnaji’s records in the long jump and triple jump at St John’s remain unbeaten, and this is one of the considerations for his name to be in the university’s hall of fame.

To appreciate Nnaji’s philosophy that there is no mountain too high to climb, another incident is worth recalling. The immediate Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna, an outstanding scholar, approached Nnaji in 2016 with a proposal which the religious leader was fairly certain that the scientist would reject: to deliver a two-three-hour academic public lecture in central or standard Igbo to a large audience that would be broadcast live. Nnaji, who had never studied Igbo even for a day all his life, accepted the challenge with enthusiasm! And he delivered the lecture to an endless applause from a huge crowd on September 4, 2016.

Now, the third example of Nnaji walking successfully where angels fear to tread. The leadership of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was in 2000 privately bemoaning the fact that there were no Nigerian organizations capable yet of competing with foreign firms in such things as building power plants, not to speak of building an emergency power plant within one year. NEPA was then constructing the Shiroro to Abuja 330KV Transmission Line and needed a plant to supply power to key places in Abuja like State House, the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headquarters, the Federal Secretariat, and the entire Central Business District. Nnaji, an industrial and mechanical engineering professor, led a small team of Nigerian engineers to take up the challenge. The 22MW Abuja Emergency Power Plant was commissioned by Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2001, and its performance was to be rated excellent.

Impressed by this achievement, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the newly appointed Minister of Finance, and the visiting World Bank president, James Wolfonsohn, asked Nnaji in March 2003 if he could consider building a 50MW gas-fired plant to assist low, medium, and large manufacturing firms in Aba whose greatest impediment to full industrialization was poor electricity. He readily accepted. The size of the plant is now 188MW, and is embedded in a power distribution company that evacuates its electricity – Aba Power which is now the 12th DisCo in Nigeria.  In addition, it has a 27-kilometre gas pipeline from Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area to the Osisioma Industrial Estate in Aba. The Geometric Power group boasts Nigeria’s most advanced power infrastructure, including its steel tubular poles that can withstand any earthquake and are found only in world-class cities like San Francisco and Tokyo that are natural disaster-prone.

Nigeria is grappling with its most difficult socioeconomic challenges, and local as well as international confidence in its capacity is at an all-time low. Nigerians need to learn at least two related things from Bart Nnaji, Commander of the Niger (CON) winner, Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) laureate, Fellow of the Academy of Science (FAS), Fellow of the Academy of Engineering (FAEng), etc: faith in the Nigerian possibility and the value of boundless optimism. All Nigerians wish Nnaji many more years of good health, wisdom, and service to God and the country.

Adinuba, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment (2018-22), is a management and leadership researcher.