Doyin Okupe, a former spokesperson for the presidency, has extended an apology to Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for his earlier critiques of Kyari’s leadership.
In a statement celebrating Kyari’s 60th birthday, Okupe acknowledged his previous doubts regarding NNPCL’s capacity to achieve significant results.
He reflected on his earlier dismissal of Kyari’s leadership and skepticism about the corporation’s prospects for success.
“Today, I pen this message with profound humility and sincere admiration for the extraordinary accomplishments of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, as he celebrates his 60th birthday.
“It is well-known that I, along with many others, voiced strong criticisms of NNPCL and its leadership. Similar to my former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, I believed that NNPCL would yield no positive outcomes, and I openly questioned its ability to fulfill its commitments. At that time, I dismissed Mr. Kyari’s leadership and even mocked the very establishment of NNPCL,” Okupe remarked.
He praised Kyari’s initiatives in revitalizing refineries, enhancing infrastructure, and lowering the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, which he noted has alleviated some economic pressures on Nigerians.
“However, the impressive and multifaceted achievements of Mr. Kyari and his management team have genuinely transformed my viewpoint. Over the last few years,
I have observed with amazement as NNPCL has made substantial progress in reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The revival of our refineries, the enhancement of vital infrastructure, and the efforts to address long-standing challenges in the petroleum industry have surpassed all expectations.
“Notably, the significant decrease in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at fuel stations, a direct outcome of NNPCL’s strategic initiatives, is commendable. This progress is already alleviating some of the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and warrants widespread recognition.”
Okupe concluded by congratulating Kyari and expressing admiration for his leadership.
