President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, as he marks his 60th birthday on Wednesday.
Kyari, who has led the national oil company, reflected on his journey from being a pupil in the Almajiri school system to becoming the head of Africa’s largest energy company. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received, including serving as the final Group Managing Director of NNPC and the first CEO of NNPCL under Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Kyari for his exceptional efforts in transforming NNPCL. The President acknowledged Kyari’s leadership in making the company more profitable and highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the revitalization of two refineries, the increase in domestic natural gas consumption, and the boost in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.
The President also praised Kyari for his professionalism and dedication to service throughout his career, both within NNPC and OPEC. He emphasized that Kyari exemplifies the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and has been instrumental in creating new opportunities and fostering growth within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Tinubu concluded his statement by praying for Kyari’s continued health, wisdom, and strength to serve the nation and mentor the next generation of energy sector leaders.
“I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.
“Even more particular, 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 the NNPC Ltd.
“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain.
“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing,” he wrote partly on his X handle.
Joining in the celebration, Tinubu in a statement through his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga late Tuesday commended Kyari for his diligence in transforming the NNPCL.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on his 60th birthday on January 8.
“The President commends Kyari’s diligence in transforming the NNPCL into a profitable organisation. The President recalls that despite cynicism in some quarters, the NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership has recorded notable achievements, including the resuscitation of two refineries, an increase in domestic natural gas consumption and a boost in oil production to 1.8 millionCH barrels per day.
“The President applauds Kyari’s dedication to service and the professionalism he has maintained throughout his distinguished career at the NNPC, OPEC and as the first Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL.
“Kyari is a shining example and embodiment of the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I commend his commitment to creating new opportunities and ensuring the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector”, President Tinubu said.
