By Joke Kujenya
STRUGGLES WITH poverty, the Almajiri system, and limited opportunities often define the lives of many children in northern Nigeria.
Yet, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has risen above these challenges to lead Africa’s largest energy company.
Marking his 60th birthday, Kyari shared a heartfelt reflection on his journey from an Almajiri school pupil in Borno State to the top of the oil and gas industry.
The Almajiri system, a traditional Islamic education practice, often leaves children with little parental guidance, placing full reliance on Islamic schools.
Despite its hurdles, Kyari turned his Almajiri background into the foundation of an extraordinary career.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Kyari expressed profound gratitude to God for sparing his life and to Nigeria for offering him opportunities to succeed.
“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,” he wrote.
Kyari credited his achievements to the support of Nigeria’s leadership.
He acknowledged the critical roles played by both former President Muhammadu Buhari, who appointed him as the last Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, and President Bola Tinubu, under whom he transitioned to the GCEO role of the newly commercialised NNPC Limited.
Reflecting on his journey, Kyari described the path as a mix of triumphs and trials, “good and bad times, pains and happiness, fails and successes.”
He expressed deep appreciation to his family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging the personal sacrifices they made to support his work.
“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 wrote.
His tenure as NNPC GMD began on 20 June 2019, officially assuming office in July of that year.
During his time at the helm, he ensured significant transformations in the company, including its historic transition to a limited liability corporation.
The oil chief also vowed to serve with renewed determination and an elevated sense of purpose as he steps into the next chapter of his life.
His message, reflecting humility and gratitude, also resonated with many across the country, serving as a testament to resilience and the power of opportunity.
