‘My Boss, Brother, Friend’ — Tinubu Hails Ex-NNPC Chair Akinyelure On 80th Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Chief Pius Olu Akinyelure, a former Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and longtime ally, on his birthday.

Tinubu described Akinyelure as a brother, friend and former boss.

In a birthday message personally signed by him, Tinubu commended Chief Akinyelure’s contributions to public service, private enterprise, and national development.

“My dear brother, friend and former boss, I congratulate you warmly on your birthday, May 2,” Tinubu wrote.

Recalling their long relationship that dates back to 40 years ago at ExxonMobil, Tinubu praised Akinyelure’s professional accomplishments and personal character.

“As a professional with extensive experience in finance and management, you had a rewarding career at ExxonMobil, where our paths first crossed. Our relationship blossomed at Mobil, where you were my Executive Director. From a professional work environment where we developed a special bond, we have become brothers, confidantes, associates, and trusted allies for over 40 years,” he said.

Tinubu also acknowledged Akinyelure’s contributions in politics and governance, including his leadership role within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his tenure at NNPC.

Akinyelure, according to Tinubu, is a patriot and leader whose dedication to Nigeria has been unwavering

“Your love for Nigeria is boundless. As a patriot deeply committed to national development, you have embraced the ideals of progressive politics and played pivotal roles in shaping our nation’s future,” Tinubu said.

“You were the National Vice Chairman of our party, the All Progressives Congress, for the South-West at a critical and defining moment in its evolution. You later served on the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, first as a director and as Chairman,” the president noted.

Tinubu further commended Akinyelure’s stewardship at NNPC, adding, “Thank you for your leadership at NNPC Limited, which led to some achievements the state-owned oil company recorded in the last ten years.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you immensely.”

Tinubu concluded: “Your wisdom and example as an octogenarian will continue to benefit our country, community, and family. I pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment. Happy birthday and many happy returns, my dear friend and brother!”

Akinyelure retired from Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc on June 1, 1997 as Executive Director, Finance and External Relations.

He is a certified Accountant with a Master of Science Degree in Management, specializing in organizational behaviour.

With over 30 years working experience in the oil industry, Akinyelure was first appointed into the board of the NNPC in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He has been Chairman/Director of several companies/financial institutions, including Wema Bank Plc, Credite Bank Ltd, Odu’a Investment Limited, Oluwa Glass Plc, Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, Odu’a Telecomunications Limited, Cocoa Industries Nigeria Ltd, Hallmark Bank and West African Portland Cement Plc.

‘My Boss, Brother, Friend’ — Tinubu Hails Ex-NNPC Chair Akinyelure On 80th Birthday is first published on The Whistler Newspaper