*The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari, says his predecessor’s achievements will remain a beacon of inspiration for generations

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, has lamented the death of Chief Festus Remi Ayodele Marinho, pioneer Managing Director of the Corporation.

Dr. Kennie Obateru, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, in a statement Wednesday, January 20, said that Chief Marinho, who passed away Tuesday, was the first and only Managing Director of the defunct Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC) ─ the forerunner of NNPC ─ and the only one who served twice as Group Managing Director of NNPC.

The late managing Director had served from 1977 to 1979 and 1984 to 1985 respectively. His last appointment was made by President Muhammadu Buhari as the then Head of State.

Malam Kyari, in a condolence message to the family of the late NNPC boss, described Chief Marinho as “the Father of Oil & Gas Industry in Nigeria” because of the pioneering roles he played in the crafting of the institutional framework, infrastructural development and international best practices being used in the Corporation till date.

The NNPC GMD said: “His role in refinery and pipeline construction and human capacity development are all testimonies of his contribution to national development.”

He stated Chief Marinho’s visionary leadership provided the foundation for what has come to be known as “Nigerian content”.

His achievements in the Corporation would be a beacon and inspiration for many future generations of staff and leaders, said Kyari.

The NNPC Chief added: “He was, indeed, a rare gem and we will surely miss his wisdom and wealth of experience.”