By Uzor Odigbo
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, has extolled the virtues of the late pioneer Managing Director of the organisation, Chief Festus Marinho.
Kyari in a statement signed and issued by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, in Abuja, described him as “the Father of Oil & Gas Industry in Nigeria”.
He acknowledged the pioneering roles the late MD played in the crafting of the institutional framework, infrastructural development and international best practices which he noted are being used in the NNPC till date.
According to him; “his role in refinery and pipeline construction and human capacity development are all testimonies of his contribution to national development”.
Kyari noted that Marinho’s visionary leadership solidified the foundation of what had come to be known as “Nigerian content”. He stated further that achievements in the NNPC would be a beacon and inspiration for many future generations of staff and leaders.
“He was indeed a rare gem and we will surely miss his wisdom and wealth of experience,” Kyari said. Late Marinho was the first and only Managing Director of the defunct Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC), that gave birth to NNPC.
