From Almajiri to NNPC CEO: Mele Kyari reflects on his inspiring journey at 60

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has shared heartfelt reflections on his journey from being an Almajiri school pupil to leading Africa’s largest energy company.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) to mark his 60th birthday on Wednesday, Kyari expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and Nigeria for the incredible milestones in his life. He also acknowledged the support of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as the last Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC and the first CEO of NNPC Limited.

“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,” Kyari wrote.

“I am profoundly grateful to my country for allowing me 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 reflected on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his life, noting that his journey could only be explained by God’s sufficiency.

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“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,” he said.

Kyari also pledged to continue serving with greater conviction and a sense of responsibility, while expressing his gratitude to those who have supported him along the way.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

On the occasion of Kyari’s 60th birthday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised his leadership and contributions to NNPCL.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu highlighted Kyari’s achievements, including revitalizing two key refineries, boosting domestic natural gas consumption, and increasing oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.

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