Speaker Abbas felicitates NNPCL, FIRS bosses on birthday

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has felicitated the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Malam Mele Kyari, on his birthday today.
Speaker Abbas equally congratulated the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who is also marking his birthday today.
The Speaker, in a congratulatory message, noted that Malam Kyari has been at the centre of the reforms in the petroleum sector, which began a couple of years back, and has continued under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaker Abbas recalled how Malam Kyari, then as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC, now NNPCL), in 2020, caused the publication of the audited financial account of the national oil firm after 43 years.
He also noted the roles Mele Kyari played in the record-breaking passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill by the 9th National Assembly in 2021, and the implementation of the Act ever since.
On the chairman of FIRS, Speaker Abbas described Dr. Adedeji as a brilliant and thoroughbred financial expert, who has garnered experiences from both the public and private sectors.
He expressed confidence in Dr. Adedeji’s capacity to turn things around at the FIRS, noting that the country stands to benefit more from his wealth of experience.
The Speaker urged the GCEO of the NNPCL and the FIRS chairman to continue to push for more reforms in their respective organisations, as the country’s biggest revenue generators.
Speaker Abbas prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Malam Kyari and Dr. Adedeji more years, blessings and wisdom.
The West African Social Activities ( WASA) is an annual event organized by the Nigerian Army to celebrate the diverse rich cultural heritage of our great country. The annual event brings together Officers, Soldiers, and their families in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate and mark the end of the year’s activities.
The Minister while commending the Commander Guards Brigade and his team for excellent work, charged them to aim at greatness and excellence in discharging their duties.
“I am confident that Guards Brigade will rise to the challenges of their duties and keep the flag flying at all times,” he said.
Speaking on the importance of the Guards Brigade, he said that the diversity of experiences, skills and talents of officers and soldiers of the Brigade is an asset to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
“I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your exemplary efforts. I also thank you all not just for your service to this great country but for reminding us why Nigeria will always be a great nation,” he stated.
Tasking them on their primary duty to the Presidency, Federal Capital Territory and its environs , the Minister opined that their unwavering loyalty, sacrifices and hard work were appreciated. “ Your hard work planning and managing the security threats in the Federal Capital Territory has ensured the safety of not only Mr. President but that of other citizens, visitors and diplomats.
Highlights of the event were the tour of Units and Garrison stands, Cultural display, children’s sack race, taekwondo display, tug of war, beating of retreat, and lighting of the born fire by the Honourable Minister.
The Honourable Minister donated a car to support WASA 2023..
In addition, the donated car was won in the lucky dip raffle draw competition at the event by Mariam Abrahim.