Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has attributed his career progression to the grace of God as he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday, January 8.
Kyari, whose journey began as an Almajiri pupil, reflected on his extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. In a heartfelt post shared on his social media, Kyari expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he has received, particularly from former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, who allowed him to serve in crucial roles within the nation’s energy sector.
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 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 the NNPC Ltd.”
Kyari acknowledged the significant events and challenges he has faced throughout his life, describing his experiences as a mixture of good and bad times, triumphs and setbacks, and joys and pains—emphasizing that only the grace of Allah could explain his journey.
Reflecting on the milestone, he shared:
“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.”God Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari
Kyari also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his family, friends, associates, and colleagues at NNPCL for their unwavering support throughout his career. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, particularly due to his demanding role, and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally or inadvertently hurt.
“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 (westernGod Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing. This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”
Kyari’s 60th birthday marks not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector, where he has led the transformation of the NNPC into a major player in Africa’s energy industry.