Director-General/CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, has responded strongly to recent comments made by UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, regarding her experience at the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Sagamu.
In a public statement, Adighije dismissed Badenoch’s claims as “a lie from her insatiable pit of insecurities,” stating that the six years she spent at FGGC Sagamu were “nothing short of beautiful,” and instrumental in shaping her leadership skills and pursuit of excellence.
Adighije, a proud alumna of the school, described FGGC Sagamu as a competitive, performance-driven academic environment that fostered ambition and discipline. She claimed Badenoch underperformed during her time there and has since remained “imprisoned by memories of her early life failures.”
“We were focused on performance and excellence. Kemi couldn’t keep up in that environment and is now trapped in self-inflicted inferiority,” Adighije said.
Refuting any claims that the school experience was limiting or traumatic, she pointed out that many of her classmates have gone on to excel in various fields. She credited her Sagamu foundation for her admission into the University of Lagos, where she studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering and graduated with distinction.
“I have no regrets. I’m fully Nigerian-born, Nigerian-trained, and now serving my country with pride,” she said.
Beyond her personal achievements, Adighije also praised the FGGC Sagamu alumni network for its continued support of the school. She noted that the alumni have taken active roles in bridging infrastructure gaps by revamping critical facilities and supporting technological upgrades, including a robotics and engineering centre.
“Government can’t do it all. We, as beneficiaries, also have a role to play,” she emphasized.
Her remarks follow widespread reaction to Badenoch’s controversial comments in the UK, where she appeared to reflect negatively on her Nigerian upbringing. Adighije’s response has been hailed by many Nigerians as a powerful rebuttal and a reminder of the strength and impact of Nigerian institutions when paired with personal resolve.
