How I Became NNPCL GCEO – Kyari

informantonline.com.ng

January 8, 2025

Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has revealed that his journey from being an Almajiri school pupil to leading Nigeria’s national oil company is a testament to his resilience and the opportunities provided by his country.

Kyari shared this reflection on his X handle, @MKKyari, on Wednesday, as he marked his 60th birthday.

In his message, he expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria for the remarkable opportunities that have shaped his life, from his modest beginnings to his current position at the helm of NNPCL.

Read Also: Tinubu Celebrates NNPCL Boss At 60

He extended his thanks to the Nigerian people, as well as to former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the first CEO of the NNPCL.

Looking back on his life, Kyari acknowledged the journey through both hardships and victories, with moments of pain and joy, failure and success. He emphasized that only the grace of Allah could explain the path he has taken.

He wrote “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 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.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

“My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (western and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall well-being.

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