Three Scores and Many Trophies: Mele Kolo Kyari at 60

 By Nnanke Harry Willie

As the golden rays of his 60th birthday dawned, Mele Kolo Kyari is standing tall on a constellation of stellar achievements. He hit the Biblical three scores on a bull’s eye with news of long dead, abiku refineries becoming ‘born again’.

Mele Kyari’s story is a testament to the power of humble beginnings, relentless ambition, and a vision larger than life. Dubbed the “architect of modern Nigerian oil and gas,” Kyari has etched his name into history with achievements that not many in his shoes have been able to rival, transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas industry with an unrivaled blend of savvy, grit, and visionary leadership.

The Roots of Resilience

Born into modest circumstances in the dusty streets of Maiduguri, Borno State, Kyari’s story mirrors and encapsulates the true Nigerian spirit: an upbringing defined by resilience, a thirst for education, and an unyielding determination to chart a better course. A graduate of Geology from the University of Maiduguri, Kyari quickly proved himself as a rising star in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, bringing a sturdy confidence and an unassuming brilliance to the table.

Climbing the Petroleum Pyramid

Kyari’s ascent in the petroleum industry was meteoric. Joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1991, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to navigate complex systems while fostering innovation and derring-do. His tenure as Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, saw him spearhead Nigeria’s transparency initiatives in the global oil market, earning respect on both local and international fronts.

By 2019, his relentless dedication earned him the mantle of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the rebranded NNPC Limited – a historic transformation he personally championed. It was a role that demanded not just technical acumen but also political dexterity, strategic foresight, and the ability to unite disparate interests under a common vision.

Staying Power in the Eye of the Storm

Few leaders have weathered the storms that Mele Kyari has faced. From navigating volatile global oil markets and surviving two presidencies to shepherding NNPC through an era of unprecedented reforms, Kyari has shown a resilience that defies conventional leadership paradigms. His staying power is rooted in a deep understanding of the sector, a commitment to accountability, and an unwavering focus on national interest. Clearly, here is a man whose Chi whispered ‘yea’ but he decided to bellow the ‘yea’ many decibels higher.

Breathing Life into Nigeria’s Refineries

Undoubtedly, Kyari’s crowning achievement has been the revival of Nigeria’s decade’s long moribund refineries. Under his leadership, long-stalled production activities at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have roared back to life… with the Kaduna Refinery beckoning. This audacious manouvre has put a lie on the long-held belief that the refineries would never come back to life. This move would surely engender energy security and ensure that Nigeria’s refining capacity could finally begin to meet domestic demand with much more for exports sooner rather than later.

Championing competition through Private Refining

Recognizing that public refineries alone cannot meet the nation’s needs, Kyari forged groundbreaking collaborations with private refineries. The crown jewel of this effort was the integration of the Dangote Refinery – a strategic partnership (This started with a direct investment in Dangote Refinery) that not only expanded Nigeria’s refining capabilities but also introduced healthy competition into a previously monopolized industry.

Kyari’s forward-thinking approach has set the stage for a more dynamic and self-reliant energy sector.

A Legacy of Success

Recognising the shark-infested terrain of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Kyari’s leadership has phenomenal and is a study in transformational savvy. While some may wish to attribute some of NNPC’s challenges and failures to him, the discerning would rather give him his flowers for his ability to achieve results despite the tortuous and oppressive terrain.

From overseeing the commercialization of NNPC to fostering partnerships that would ultimately bring renewed investor confidence, he has consistently delivered results. His commitment to opening up NNPC Limited for more transparency, epitomized by Nigeria’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), has set a new benchmark for governance in the oil and gas sector.

The Road Ahead

As he celebrates his 60th birthday, Kyari must remain focused on the future. With plans to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and deepen the shift towards a cleaner energy mix, his vision aligns seamlessly with global energy transition goals. His leadership in the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) reflects his commitment to reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint while providing affordable energy alternatives for the populace.

Epilogue: The Man, the Vision, the Legacy

Mele Kyari’s journey is far from over. At 60, Kyari stands not just as a titan of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry but as a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets opportunity. His story is a clarion call to dreamers, a beacon of hope to reformers, and an enduring legacy for a nation poised on the brink of transformation. Indeed, Kyari has achieved three scores and many trophies…and the best, it seems, is yet to come.

Happy Birthday,  Mele Kolo Kyari!

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR

(MEDIA AND PUBLICITY)

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU CELEBRATES WIFE, IBIJOKE AT 58

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his wife and First Lady of the State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 58th birthday.

The Governor described the Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), who will turn 58 tomorrow, January 8, as a reliable and dependable partner in the Greater Lagos development agenda.

He said Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, is a committed prayer warrior, a caring, loving and devoted wife and mother, a strong pillar, and a trusted partner of many decades.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, described his wife as a compassionate woman who has touched many lives, first as a medical practitioner and now as First Lady of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu said his wife, as a courageous, kind-hearted, and strong pillar of support, has contributed positively towards the delivery of dividends of democracy to millions of Lagos residents through the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration.

“My jewel of inestimable values has been a major pillar of my success, standing by me all through the journey for several decades. We’ve sojourned together in the turbulent public space and standing side by side, working for the good people of Lagos State.”

“Ibijoke is worth celebrating for being a God-fearing and kind-hearted woman, a good companion, a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian, a prayer warrior, and a lover of children.

“My dear wife of almost three decades has complemented the roles that God has given us now with all sense of dignity, dedication, and hard work. She has played critical roles through her pet projects and people-orientated programmes sponsored by her office and COWLSO in ensuring that good governance and dividends of democracy are delivered to Lagos residents, particularly women and children.

 “On behalf of my children, family, the government, and the entire people of Lagos State, I celebrate my trusted and reliable partner and lifetime partner, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 58th birthday.

“On this occasion of her 58th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice, and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State in different sectors.

“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate my darling wife for her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general. I wish her good health and more prosperous and impactful years ahead.”