WEDNESDAY April 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
A notable ex-militant leader and Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has congratulated the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, along with the corporation’s Executive Chairman, Bashir Kida, non-executive board member Ojunekwu Austin Avuru, and other newly appointed board members. He described them as “square pegs in square holes.”
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday following the announcement, Akpodoro expressed confidence in Ojulari’s experience, capacity, and track record, stating that he has the expertise to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Mele Kyari, who he praised for serving the nation meritoriously. He emphasized that under Ojulari’s leadership, the new executive board—led by the Ahmadu Bello University-trained engineer—would strengthen and expand the progressive foundation established by previous management.
The Mayor highlighted Ojulari’s extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, noting that the Kwara State-born engineer has long demonstrated administrative excellence and managerial expertise. He urged stakeholders to rally behind the new NNPCL leadership for the benefit of the nation.
Pledging his support for the Ojulari-led management, Akpodoro stated that ex-militant leaders fully back the new administration. He advised Ojulari to be a unifying team player and to prioritize sustaining peace in the Niger Delta. He stressed that Ojulari has the power to foster stability among host oil and gas communities, contributing to regional and national peace.
“We know the President means well for this nation, which is why any well-meaning stakeholder will applaud his choice of appointees—selected not based on political considerations but on merit and proven track records,” Akpodoro stated.
“With the composition of this new board, we have full confidence in the individuals President Tinubu has appointed. We are committed to supporting them at every step as they work towards elevating the corporation. I commend the President while congratulating the 11-member board and wish them success in their new roles, which should be seen as a call to higher service.”
Akpodoro also lauded President Bola Tinubu for carefully selecting competent individuals to lead Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He particularly praised the appointment of Avuru as the South-South representative on the board, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest petroleum industry experts. He noted that Avuru’s distinguished career, including his tenure as Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum, makes him a valuable addition to the NNPCL board.
Engr. Bayo Ojulari, an energy expert, began his career at Shell in November 1991 as an Associate Production Technologist at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Over a span of 24 years, he rose through the ranks at the global oil giant, eventually becoming the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).
Ojulari’s extensive expertise in the industry positions him to lead NNPCL towards greater efficiency and progress.
