The Mayor of Urhoboland and a prominent former militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has congratulated the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the Executive Chairman of the Corporation, Bashir Kida, a member of the non-executive directorate, Mr. Ojunekwu Austin Avuru, and other newly appointed board members. He described them as square pegs in square holes, emphasizing their suitability for the roles.
The visibly excited Mayor expressed his commendations in Abuja on Wednesday following the announcement of the appointments. He noted that Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the new GCEO, possesses the requisite experience, capacity, track record, and aptitude to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Mele Kyari.
Mayor Akpodoro praised Kyari for his meritorious service to the nation and stated that under Ojulari’s leadership, the NNPCL will continue to build on the progressive structures laid by the previous management.
The Mayor emphasized that the Kwara State-born engineer, Ojulari, has had a long and distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. As a top-notch manager with strong administrative expertise, Ojulari is poised to take NNPCL to greater heights.
He called on all stakeholders to rally behind the new management for the greater good of the nation. “I stand in full support of the Ojulari-led NNPCL management,” Mayor Akpodoro stated.
“Ex-militant leaders are firmly behind him, and we encourage him to be an impactful team player, especially in sustaining peace in the Niger Delta. He holds the power to foster regional peace among host oil and gas communities and in the region at large.”
The Mayor expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and his ability to make appointments based on merit, not political considerations. “We know the President meant well for this nation, and any well-meaning stakeholder will applaud his choice of appointees, selected based on aptitude and a sound track record,” he said.
He also praised the President’s meticulous approach in selecting the 11-member board, expressing full support for their journey toward elevating the NNPCL to new heights.
“I commend the President and congratulate the new board members. I wish them success and hope they see this appointment as a call to higher service,” the Mayor added.
Mayor Akpodoro also commended President Tinubu for his continued effort to drive talent acquisition in Nigeria, particularly highlighting the expertise of Mr. Ojunekwu Austin Avuru, the South-South representative on the new board.
Avuru, a seasoned professional in the petroleum industry, is a former Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum and a respected figure in the sector.
For context, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, an energy expert, first joined Shell in November 1991 as an Associate Production Technologist at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
He worked with Shell for over 24 years, ultimately rising to the position of Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).
