The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, shared an inspiring narrative of his remarkable journey, tracing his path from the humble beginnings of an Almajiri school to leading Nigeria’s foremost energy conglomerate.
In a heartfelt post on his X handle, @MKKyari, on Wednesday, which coincided with his 60th birthday, Kyari expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities that propelled him from a modest upbringing to a position of significant influence. Reflecting on his life’s trajectory, he underscored the pivotal role of Allah’s grace in guiding him through the tapestry of challenges and triumphs that shaped his personal and professional journey.
Acknowledging the instrumental figures in his career, Kyari extended his appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the monumental responsibility of serving as the final Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneering CEO of NNPCL. He expressed deep reverence for his nation and its enabling framework, which allowed him to rise from a Tsangaya school pupil to lead Africa’s largest energy entity.
In his words, “Allah, by His grace, has preserved my life to see this extraordinary day marking my 60th year, a milestone equally acknowledged earlier on the Hijri calendar. My journey from an Almajiri school to becoming the CEO of Africa’s most formidable energy company exemplifies the boundless possibilities within our nation.”
He continued, “Looking back, it’s impossible to fully encapsulate the essence of my life—an odyssey marked by peaks and valleys, joy and sorrow, success and failure—all of which are eloquently explained only by Allah’s sufficiency. At this juncture, I am compelled to serve with renewed dedication, fueled by an ever-deepening sense of purpose and an anticipation of eternal rewards.”
Kyari also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family for their enduring sacrifices, acknowledging his frequent absence due to his unwavering commitment to national service. He offered gratitude to friends, colleagues, mentors, and teachers, particularly those of the Almajiri and Western traditions, who contributed profoundly to his accomplishments. Concluding his reflections, he sought forgiveness from those he may have unintentionally wronged, calling this milestone a turning point in his life’s narrative.
