Kyari mourns, extols late Festus Marinho, pioneer NNPC MD

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has expressed grief on the death of the first Managing Director of the corporation, Chief Festus Remi Ayodele Marinho.

In a condolence message to the family of the late NNPC boss, Kyari described Marinho as the father of oil and gas industry in Nigeria, saying his pioneering roles in the crafting of the institutional framework, infrastructural development and international best practices for the corporation are still enduring.

Chief Marinho, who passed away yesterday, 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 having served from 1977-1979 and 1984-1985 respectively. His last appointment was made by President Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State.

“His role in refinery and pipeline construction and human capacity development are all testimonies of his contribution to national development.

“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.

“He was indeed a rare gem and we will surely miss his wisdom and wealth of experience,” Kyari said in a statement signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Dr Kennie Obateru, and emailed to Persecondnews.