The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described his career progression as a divine blessing.
Kyari, who is marking his 60th birthday today (Wednesday, January 8), reflected on his journey from humble beginnings as an Almajiri pupil to becoming the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.
In a heartfelt post shared on his social media account, Kyari expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting him the opportunity to serve the nation.
“By Allah’s grace, I have been spared to see this remarkable day, celebrating my 60th year of life, and even earlier on the Hijri calendar,” he wrote. “I am deeply thankful to my country for providing me with the platform to rise from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to the position of CEO of Africa’s energy giant.
I am particularly grateful for the extraordinary privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the first CEO of NNPC Limited.
“Looking back, I cannot fully account for the profoundly eventful life I have led, marked by both challenges and victories, moments of pain and joy, failures and successes.
Only the grace of Allah suffices to explain it all. At this milestone, I feel a renewed obligation to serve with greater dedication and an elevated sense of purpose, motivated by the expectation of divine reward,” he added.
Kyari extended his gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and associates for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He also took the opportunity to seek forgiveness from anyone he may have offended.
“I owe a great debt to my family, especially for my absence during much of my later years while serving our nation and working for the greater good. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to my family, friends, colleagues at work, associates, and teachers—both from the Western system and my Almajiri upbringing—who have played significant roles in my achievements and well-being.
“This moment represents a turning point, and I humbly seek forgiveness from anyone I may have unintentionally or inevitably wronged,” he concluded.