‘From Almajiri school pupil to NNPC boss’ — Mele Kyari reflects as he clocks 60

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for his journey from being an Almajiri school pupil to leading Africa’s largest energy company as he marks his 60th birthday.

Kyari shared this in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, noting that looking back alone cannot fully explain the remarkable journey of his life so far.

He also expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu for the privilege of serving as the last NNPC GMD and the first CEO of NNPC Ltd.

His post reads: “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.

“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.

“Even more particularly, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of NNPC Ltd.

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I have lived so far—walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, failures and successes, and many more experiences that only the sufficiency of Allah can explain.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and an elevated expectation of eternal recompense that is deeply fulfilling. I am hugely indebted to my family for enduring my near absence in recent years as I served our nation and the common good.

“My deep appreciation goes to my family, friends, and associates, my colleagues at work, and my teachers—both from western education and the Almajiri system—as well as the many unmentioned individuals who have contributed to my accomplishments, offered unconditional support, and ensured my overall well-being.

“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

On the same occasion, Tribune Online reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended Kyari for his leadership as he celebrated his 60th birthday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, praised Kyari’s outstanding leadership and transformative contributions to NNPC Ltd.

“Despite initial skepticism, Kyari has proven his mettle by revitalizing two key refineries, enhancing domestic natural gas consumption, and boosting oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day,” the President noted.