President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, as he marks his birthday today.
The President commended the diligence, passion and expertise the geologist brings to tasks as one of the longest-tenured chief executives in the history of Africa’s most valuable energy company.
He also rejoiced with businessman, Gilbert Chagoury, as he marked his 78th birthday, as well as the Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, who marked his 46th birthday.
“Mele is a man of action, rather than words. He is proactive in his approach. His ability to diagnose complicated problems with thoughtful and pragmatic solutions has created a path for him to continue rendering valuable service to our nation. I wish him a happy birthday,” Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, stated.
The President appreciated Chagoury’s consistency and reliability demonstrated throughout his storied career, noting his desire to see Nigeria rise to the heights in all spheres of human endeavour.
President Tinubu recalled how the Chagoury family kept faith with Africa’s largest economy by continually investing in various projects and philanthropic activities over the decades, irrespective of the socio-political challenges that characterised the road to the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999 and beyond.
He said: “Gilbert is a shining light in any room. He is compassionate, discerning and totally reliable in every respect. He has invested in our country in both good and bad times. He is generous with both his heart and his resources. With friends like him, one can sleep with a still mind. He is a valuable and cherished person who is worthy of celebration.”
Similarly, the President expressed optimism that the FIRS boss would reform the nation’s tax system for the benefit of Nigerians. He extolled the fine defining qualities of the young first-class graduate of Accounting, who steadily rose through the ranks in public service by dint of hard work, loyalty and competence.
Tinubu noted Adedeji’s service as Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State at the age of 33; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Sugar Development Council (NSDC); Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, and now CEO of the nation’s apex tax authority.
