As we wrap up 2024, one word comes to mind: resilience. Nigerians are no strangers to navigating life’s ups and downs, and this year was not any different.
Yet, one shared reality united us all: our dance with the National Grid. If there was ever a year the grid put our resilience to the test, it was definitely this one. Almost as if it was cheekily echoing our chants of “We no go gree for anybody this year!”.
Curiosity made HH People sit with on of our heroes in the Power sector; Goodluck Ambalambu, Electrical Maintenance Engineer at Transcorp Power Plc. We got a glimpse of the year through his unique lens; one that combined grit, expertise, and intentionality in the face of challenges.
PO for HHPeople: Give us a glimpse into your year. How was it?
Goodluck: 2024 was really that year for me. It pushed me, it pruned me, it transformed me, and it shaped me into what I would say is a better version of myself. At the start of the year, like many other people, I had New Year resolutions and set out goals; from financial goals to building a personal brand to prioritising family time to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the list goes on and on, and well, I am proud to say I made progress in achieving them, lol, but you see that work-life balance? It’s not for the faint-hearted. It is starting to look like a myth, but I guess we get to go again next year.
PO for HHPeople: How has it been working in the power sector this year?
Goodluck: The power sector is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, responsible for producing the electricity that powers homes, businesses, and industries. However, working in this sector comes with a lot, most notably, the frequent grid collapses. When these collapses happen, we will first drink water to calm our nerves because the work ahead is not for the faint-hearted. It tests the resilience, and determination of the team tasked with keeping the system running but working in Nigeria’s power generation sector has been an experience for me. I have been in the sector for about 11 years. I honestly cannot explain it to someone who has no experience working in this sector. It’s unique, it’s challenging with a lot of “God abeg!”. However, despite the challenges, it is rewarding. I’ve learned lessons about resilience, adaptation, and collaboration.
PO for HHPeople: Give me some perspective. What does it mean when there is a grid collapse? How does it affect your job?
Goodluck: Grid collapse, also known as a system collapse, happens when the entire or a significant portion of an electrical power grid shuts down unexpectedly due to instability or failure in the system. The resultant effect is widespread power outages and disruption of electricity supply to homes, businesses, and industries.
For us, when a grid collapse occurs, it causes an imbalance between generation and demand. It affects the gas turbines and their associated systems, our electrical systems, and excitation systems. It causes thermal stress on our gas turbines, which leads to production downtime, and this impacts our control systems.
PO for HHPeople: So, in other words, the grid collapse means you are unable to do anything. Wow! Does Transcorp contribute to powering it back on?
Goodluck: Yes! Transcorp is one of the few companies that can “black start” the grid when there is a grid collapse. So, we help to recover the Grid using our Black Start gas turbines.
PO for HHPeople: Oh wow! It’s giving superpower. You know at the beginning of the year, we all shouted we will not wear out. We said ‘no gree for anybody this year’. With all that has happened, will you say you did?
Goodluck: I no gree for 2024 and its challenges oh. Despite all the challenges of 2024, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience, innovation, adaptation, and collaboration. These virtues are what helped me navigate through 2024. I look forward to an exciting 2025, as I continue to push beyond my limits, inspiring others and making a meaningful impact in my community.
PO for HHPeople: Speaking about looking into the new year, what’s one thing you’re taking into 2025, and one thing you’re leaving in 2024?
Goodluck: I’m taking intentionality into 2025. This year has taught me the value of being deliberate about my goals, actions, and relationships. I’ve learned that focus and purpose yield the best results, whether it’s in career growth, financial milestones, or personal development. In 2025, I’ll continue to prioritise what truly matters, aligning my decisions with my long-term vision and values.
What am I Leaving in 2024? I’m leaving self-doubt in 2024. The challenges I faced this year showed me that I’m capable of overcoming adversity and thriving under pressure.
PO for HHPeople: What’s one end-of-year tradition at work that you look forward to the most?
Goodluck: One end-of-year tradition at work I look forward to the most is the team reflection and appreciation session. It’s a time when we pause from the daily grind to celebrate our wins, acknowledge challenges, and express gratitude for each other’s contributions. I also look forward to our end-of-the-year party. I love to chop life!
PO for HHPeople: So, one final question, looking forward to next year, what’s the one thing on your 2025 wishlist—for work or life?
Goodluck: On my 2025 Wishlist, the one thing I deeply desire is balance with impact; both in work and life. For work, I want to be part of impactful projects that challenge me, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the energy sector. Whether it’s solving a complex engineering problems or mentoring others. I aim to leave a mark that resonates beyond my day-to-day tasks by improving lives and transforming Africa.
For life, I wish for deeper connections with family, friends, and myself. It’s about creating memories, nurturing relationships, and continuing personal growth, all while ensuring I stay present in the moments that matter most.
PO for HHPeople: Thank you so much, Goodluck for taking out time to speak with me. This has been truly insightful and inspiring. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m sure our HH People are going to love reading this. We’re so grateful to have you as our cover feature. Thank you again for sharing your story and insights!
Goodluck: My pleasure, Priscilla! Thank you for having me as I look forward to the Group Chairman’s party!
