WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, revealed that he grew from being an Almajiri school student to leading the national oil company. Kyari made this statement on his X handle while marking his 60th birthday. He expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria for the opportunities that have come his way, allowing him to rise from humble beginnings to his current position. He specifically thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu for the chance to serve as the last Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC and the inaugural CEO of NNPCL. Reflecting on his journey, Kyari noted that he has experienced both challenges and successes, hardships and joys, emphasizing that only the grace of Allah could account for his experiences. He wrote, “By Allah’s grace, I have reached this significant day, marking my 60th year since birth, even earlier on the Hijri calendar. I am immensely thankful to my country for allowing me to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company.” Kyari continued, “I am especially grateful for the exceptional opportunity provided by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the founding CEO of NNPC Ltd. Looking back alone cannot capture the richness of my life, filled with trials and triumphs, pains and joys, failures and successes, all of which can only be explained by Allah’s sufficiency.” At this milestone, he expressed a commitment to serve with even greater dedication and a heightened expectation of eternal rewards. He acknowledged his family for their sacrifices during his years of service to the nation and expressed gratitude to family, friends, colleagues, and teachers—both from traditional and Almajiri backgrounds—who have contributed to his achievements and well-being. “This is a pivotal moment, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I may have unintentionally hurt,” he concluded.