Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has marked his 60th birthday with a heartfelt reflection on his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to heading Africa’s largest energy company.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, January 8, Kyari, born January 8, 1965, expressed gratitude for the opportunities that led him from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to leading one of Nigeria’s most important state-owned enterprises. He also pledged to continue serving the nation with greater dedication and commitment.
Kyari, who was appointed CEO of NNPCL by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019, has spent over three decades in the oil industry.
His 32-year tenure at NNPC reflects his deep roots in the sector, which have seen him play a key role in transforming the company.
In his post, Kyari acknowledged the divine grace that has guided him throughout his journey, describing it as a life filled with both challenges and triumphs.
He said, “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.”
He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities granted to him by the Nigerian government, particularly under Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to serve as both the last Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC and the inaugural CEO of NNPCL.
Kyari reflected on the milestones of his career, saying, “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.”
As he marked this significant milestone, Kyari emphasised his sense of responsibility, vowing to serve with renewed dedication and deeper conviction.
“I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with the elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing,” he added.
Kyari also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support despite his demanding career.
“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good,” he said.
In closing, he extended his appreciation to his family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, both from his Almajiri schooling and his formal education.
“This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably,” he concluded.
