The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has shared his inspiring journey from being an Almajiri pupil to leading Africa’s largest energy company.
Reflecting on his 60th birthday, Kyari took to his official X handle to express gratitude for his life’s trajectory and the opportunities he has received.
“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 wrote.
The Almajiri system, prevalent in northern Nigeria, involves sending children to Islamic schools, often under challenging conditions.
Kyari, who hails from Borno State, acknowledged the pivotal roles of Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his career. He was appointed as NNPC Group Managing Director in 2019 by Buhari and later became the pioneer CEO of the restructured NNPC Limited under Tinubu’s administration.
Kyari reflected on his life’s highs and lows, expressing gratitude to Allah for his journey and to his family for their sacrifices during his years of service to the nation.
“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction, with elevated expectations of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing,” he said.
Kyari also extended his appreciation to his teachers, friends, and colleagues, crediting their support for his accomplishments.
