How Davido’s Father New Plant is Transforming Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Nigeria’s energy sector is about to experience a major transformation, thanks to the efforts of billionaire industrialist Adedeji Adeleke, the father of popular Nigerian-American musician, Davido.

Aside from the fact he generates 15% of Nigeria’s electricity, his latest project, a 1,250MW thermal power plant, is set to launch in January 2025. This plant will be the largest of its kind in Nigeria and a significant step forward in addressing the country’s energy challenges.

How it could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy

Currently, Adedeji Adeleke’s company, Pacific Energy, already generates 15% of Nigeria’s electricity. However, the new power plant is expected to make an even greater impact, supplying power to millions of Nigerians and helping stabilize the nation’s unreliable electricity grid.

This project is a $2 billion investment that has taken years of planning, hard work, and overcoming significant challenges.

Challenges along the way

The journey to build this massive power plant hasn’t been easy. During a recent event at the Seventh Day Adventist General Conference Annual Council in October 2024, Adeleke shared the story of how he faced roadblocks with government officials who doubted the project.

He recalled one official telling him that the plant would never “see the light of day.” But instead of giving up, he turned to prayer, trusting that the project would succeed despite the setbacks.

This persistence paid off, but not without more hurdles. Adeleke’s team, working closely with Chinese engineering firms, managed to overcome these bureaucratic difficulties, securing the necessary environmental permits to move forward.

However, the project faced another setback when thieves broke into the plant site in Ondo State, stealing components worth $5 million. Despite this loss, the project continued, and Adeleke remains optimistic about its completion.

Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy

One of the major benefits of Adeleke’s power plant is the positive impact it has on local communities. The project, based in a village in Ondo State, has already provided over 1,000 jobs to local residents.

The turbines alone cost a staggering $72 million, highlighting the scale of the project. By creating employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy, this power plant is doing more than just generating electricity – it’s helping to uplift entire communities.