In an unexpected and heartfelt statement, Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo, has issued a public apology to Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), for his past criticisms of the corporation and its leadership.
The apology was delivered in a statement celebrating Mr. Kyari’s 60th birthday and lauding his achievements in transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Dr. Okupe, who once shared the skepticism of his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, regarding the NNPCL’s capacity for reform, admitted to having dismissed the idea of the corporation making any meaningful impact.
“It is no secret that I, along with many others, was once a vocal critic of NNPCL and its leadership. I openly expressed skepticism over its ability to deliver on its promises and was, at that time, dismissive of Mr. Mele Kyari’s leadership,” he stated.
However, Okupe acknowledged that Kyari’s achievements have exceeded expectations and reshaped his opinion. He pointed to the revival of Nigeria’s refineries, the revitalization of critical infrastructure, and the reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as key accomplishments under Kyari’s leadership.
“Over the past few years, I have watched with astonishment as NNPCL has made tangible strides in transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Particularly commendable is the significant downward trend in the price of PMS at the pumps, which is a direct result of NNPCL’s strategic initiatives and commitment to improving the petroleum sector for the benefit of the Nigerian people,” Okupe noted.
The former presidential aide described Kyari as a leader who has not only earned the respect of his peers but also turned former critics into supporters.
He extended his congratulations to Kyari on his milestone birthday, praying for continued wisdom and strength for the oil sector leader.
“As you mark your 60th birthday, I seize the opportunity to offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication, leadership, and achievements have not only earned the respect of your peers, but have also turned former critics like myself into proud supporters of the work you continue to do,” Okupe added.
Okupe expressed hope that Kyari’s ongoing efforts would continue to alleviate the economic burdens faced by Nigerians and foster a more prosperous future for the nation.
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Press Statement by Dr. Doyin Okupe
Title: My Apology to Mele Kyari
I write today with a deep sense of humility and genuine admiration for the remarkable achievements of Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), as he marks his 60th birthday.
It is no secret that I, along with many others, was once a vocal critic of NNPCL and its leadership. In fact, like my former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, I shared the belief that nothing positive could come from the NNPCL, and I openly expressed skepticism over its ability to deliver on its promises. I was, at that time, dismissive of the leadership of Mr. Mele Kyari, and I even laughed at the very idea of NNPCL’s creation.
However, the remarkable and multi-dimensional achievements of Mr. Kyari and his management team have truly reshaped my perspective. Over the past few years, I have watched with astonishment as NNPCL has made tangible strides in transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The revival of our refineries, the revitalization of critical infrastructure, and the efforts to tackle the petroleum industry’s long-standing issues have defied all expectations.
Particularly commendable is the significant downward trend in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the pumps, which is a direct result of NNPCL’s strategic initiatives and commitment to improving the petroleum sector for the benefit of the Nigerian people. This development is already easing some of the economic burdens Nigerians have been grappling with, and it deserves widespread commendation.
On this occasion of Mr. Mele Kyari’s 60th birthday, I seize the opportunity to offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication, leadership, and achievements have not only earned the respect of your peers, but have also turned former critics like myself into proud supporters of the work you continue to do.
I pray that the Almighty God blesses you with continued wisdom, strength, and success as you press forward in your mission to ensure a more prosperous future for Nigeria. May your efforts continue to help alleviate the hardships of Nigerians, particularly by further reducing the cost of PMS, and may you be richly rewarded for your service to the nation.
Congratulations once again, Mr. Mele Kyari.
Dr. Doyin Okupe
Former Presidential Spokesman
