- Kyari celebrates 60th birthday, credits faith, family, and mentors for his success.
- President Tinubu hails transformative leadership at NNPCL.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, marked his 60th birthday with a heartfelt reflection on his extraordinary journey from an Almajiri school pupil to the helm of Africa’s largest energy corporation.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Kyari expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and Nigeria for shaping his life’s trajectory, which he described as a remarkable mix of trials and triumphs.
“Allah, by His grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar,” Kyari wrote. “I am profoundly grateful to my country for allowing me to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.”
Kyari extended special thanks to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with leadership roles during pivotal moments in the company’s transformation. He noted the honor of serving as the last Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the first CEO of its successor, NNPCL.
Reflecting on his life’s journey, Kyari acknowledged the challenges and victories that have shaped his career. “Walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes… only the sufficiency of Allah can explain,” he remarked.
Kyari also used the occasion to express gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and teachers, including those from his Almajiri schooling. He acknowledged their unwavering support and sacrifices, particularly his family, who endured his frequent absence due to national service.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined in celebrating Kyari’s contributions. In a statement by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended Kyari’s transformative leadership at NNPCL, highlighting milestones such as the revitalization of key refineries, increased domestic natural gas consumption, and boosting oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.
“Despite initial skepticism, Kyari has proven his mettle through visionary leadership,” Tinubu noted.
As he turns 60, Kyari described the milestone as a turning point and pledged to serve with renewed conviction, seeking forgiveness from anyone he may have hurt along the way. His reflections serve as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of opportunity in shaping lives.
