Mele Kyari: How I grew From An Almajiri To CEO Of Africa’s Largest Energy Company

By PHC Telegraph

Mele Kyari, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has thanked Nigerians for the rare privilege given to him to rise from humble beginnings to the position of the head of the largest energy firm in Africa.

Reflecting on the occasion of his 60th birthday, Kyari who took to X, formerly Twitter, to express gratitude to all who have been part of his success story said his growth has been largely influenced by all who helped in so many ways to shape his future.

He recalled how he grew from an Almajiri school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.

“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.

“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.

Most in Nigeria seldom reckon with Almajiris who are seen as beggars and homeless persons that are reputed some of the time for acts of holliganism.

But Kyari, born without a silver spoon has become one out of so many Almajiri who have come right from the rungs of the ladder of society to occupy enviable positions at the top.

“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.

“At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing”, the Chief Executive Officer of NNPC remarked.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good.

“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 wellbeing.”

He paid tribute to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – one, out of office, and the other currently serving – for the enormous confidence that they reposed in his ability to midwife the transformation of the NNPC.

“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 noted.

He added, “This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”