By Ayomide Otitoju
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, has reflected on his remarkable journey from being an Almajiri school pupil to becoming the head of Africa’s largest energy company.
In a heartfelt statement marking his 60th birthday, Kyari expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria for the opportunities that shaped his life, as well as to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with pivotal roles.
“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,” Kyari said. “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 NNPCL.”
Reflecting on his life journey, Kyari recounted the trials and triumphs that defined his path, attributing his successes to the grace of Allah. “Only the sufficiency of Allah can explain the profoundly eventful life I have lived to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, failures and successes.”
Kyari also expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, friends, and teachers—both from western education and his Almajiri schooling—for their unwavering support throughout his life and 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. “This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”
Kyari’s tenure has been marked by significant milestones in the Nigerian energy sector, including the transition of NNPC into a limited liability company, positioning it as a more commercially driven entity. As he looks forward, Kyari emphasized his renewed commitment to serving the nation with greater conviction.
