Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), marked his 60th birthday on Wednesday with a reflection on his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as an Almajiri school pupil to leading Africa’s largest energy company.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Kyari expressed profound gratitude for his transformation from a student of traditional Islamic education to heading Nigeria’s state-owned energy corporation. “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,” he stated.
Kyari, born on January 8, 1965, has served as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s oil industry for over three decades. His appointment as NNPC head came in July 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He particularly acknowledged the trust placed in him by both former President Buhari and current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting his unique position as both the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the corporatized NNPC Ltd.
Reflecting on his six-decade journey, Kyari described a life marked by both challenges and achievements. “Walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes,” he wrote, attributing his path to divine grace.
The milestone birthday has reinforced Kyari’s commitment to public service. He pledged to “serve with even greater conviction,” while acknowledging the personal sacrifices his career has demanded, particularly the time spent away from family in service to the nation.
In a gesture of humility, Kyari also sought forgiveness from those he “might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably” throughout his career. He expressed deep appreciation to his support network, including family, friends, colleagues, and teachers from both Western and Almajiri educational backgrounds, who have contributed to his success.
The NNPCL chief’s story represents a compelling narrative of transformation and achievement in Nigerian public service, from his early education in traditional Islamic schooling to his current position at the helm of one of Africa’s most significant energy companies.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
