ICYMI: Davido’s Father Shares How He Secured Permit for Nigeria’s Largest $2 Billion Power Plant

Adedeji Adeleke, the father of award-winning superstar David, known as Davido, shared his challenges in obtaining the environmental permit for his $2 billion power plant.

Speaking as a Layperson from the West-Central Africa Division at the Seventh Day Adventist General Conference Annual Council in Maryland, USA, Adeleke recounted his struggles with “difficult government officials.” He recalled one official bluntly stating that his project would never “see the light of day.”

Faced with this setback, Adeleke turned to prayer, refusing to accept the government official’s statement as the final word for his company, Pacific Energy, which is collaborating with Chinese engineering firms on the project.

“I am a businessman in Nigeria. I operate in the electricity sector, generating about 15 percent of the nation’s electricity. I’m building Nigeria’s largest power plant, a 1,250-megawatt facility set to be completed in January 2025,” he said.

“During the design phase and the quest for permits, we encountered challenges with government officials. Our environmental permit was denied, and one official told me directly that my project would never succeed. I couldn’t accept that, thinking to myself that this man was acting as if he were God. I prayed for guidance and strength because I knew his words did not hold power.”

Disheartened, Adeleke informed his Chinese partners that the project might be stalled, noting the substantial investments already made. His Chinese colleague was concerned, given the involvement of the Afrexim Bank of China, which could lead to bankruptcy.

However, Adeleke remained optimistic, reassuring his friend not to worry. Eventually, his Chinese associate traveled to Nigeria to discuss alternatives, as he did not believe that prayer alone could resolve the issues. Fortunately, the then Minister of Power ultimately approved the project, recognizing its potential.

Earlier this year, Adeleke also spoke about the power project during a lecture at the 9th graduation ceremony of Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, in July 2023.