NNPC GMD, Mr. Andrew Yakubu
Chika Amanze-Nwachuku
The newly-appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, assumed duty yesterday with a pledge to surmount all challenges towards moving the corporation forward.
Speaking while receiving the official mantle of leadership from the outgoing GMD, Mr. Austen Oniwon in Abuja, Yakubu said the task was enormous, but not insurmountable.
“We know the task is enormous, but nothing is impossible. We can’t allow NNPC to stay where it is today. We will work hard to improve on what is on ground. We are determined to reinforce NNPC’s core values of transparency and accountability in the conduct of our business. We’ll remain collectively resolute and with God behind us, we shall survive the storm,” Engr Yakubu stated.
He however congratulated his predecessor for his tenure at the helm of NNPC affairs, describing their time together as “very productive and worthwhile.”
He called for the support, co-operation and prayers of NNPC staff for the new management team. “As one big family, I am confident that we shall all succeed in our quest to move this Corporation forward.”
Earlier, Austen Oniwon, who described his predecessor’s appointment as “well-deserved”, said he was confident that the calibre of individuals in the new management team will help reposition NNPC to better tackle the challenges ahead. He charged Yakubu to be focused.
on the core business of the corporation, which he said would be the yardstick for evaluating his tenure at the end of the day.
Oniwon also expressed his gratitude to the outgoing management team even as he urged the new management to remain united in the interest of the organisation and the Nigerian people.
He enjoined the new GMD to see the two in-house unions as “partners in progress” for the betterment of the Corporation. Acting Group General Manager at the corporation’s Group Public Affairs, Mr. Fidel Pepple said in a statement that the handing over ceremony was witnessed by both the outgoing and incoming management team.