The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has reflected on his journey over the years as he celebrates his 60th birthday today, January 8, 2025.

In a post shared on social media, Kyari revealed how he started as an Almajiri pupil and eventually became the head of Africa’s largest energy company in Nigeria.

Kyari expressed his gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve his country after being appointed as the CEO of NNPC in July 2019.

He wrote: "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.

"Even more particular, 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.

"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. 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.

"This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably."

President Tinubu has also commended Kyari on his diligence in transforming the NNPCL and recorded notable achievements.

In a release issued on Tuesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said, "Kyari is a shining example and embodiment of the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I commend his commitment to creating new opportunities and ensuring the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy sector”.