The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, has eulogised the pioneer Managing Director of the Corporation, Chief Festus Remi Ayodele Marinho even as he lamented his death which occurred Tuesday.
According to a press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, Chief Marinho, 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.Mallam Kyari, in a condolences message to the family of the deceased, extolled 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.
“His role in refinery and pipeline construction and human capacity development are all testimonies of his contribution to national development,” Mallam Kyari stated.lHe said Chief Marinho’s visionary leadership provided the foundation for what has come to be known as “Nigerian content”, adding that his achievements in the Corporation would be a beacon and inspiration for many future generations of staff and leaders.
He further described the late Marinho as a rare gem adding that his wisdom and wealth of experience will be missed.
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