President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, as he marks his 80th birthday milestone.
A Lifetime of Service in Nigeria's Oil Sector
In a heartfelt goodwill message, President Tinubu described the elder statesman as a true patriot whose decades of dedicated service fundamentally shaped Nigeria's oil and gas landscape. The President emphasized that reaching 80 years represents a rare blessing that follows a lifetime characterized by hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Dr. Gaius-Obaseki's remarkable journey in the petroleum industry began as a geologist with the then Nigerian National Oil Company, where he demonstrated exceptional competence and dedication. His steady rise through the ranks saw him become the first manager of the National Reserve Evaluation Project, a position he earned purely through merit and professional excellence.
Transformational Leadership at NNPC
The President highlighted key milestones in Gaius-Obaseki's distinguished career, including his appointment as managing director of the Nigerian Gas Company and later as group general manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division at NNPC in 1998. These strategic appointments underscored his deep industry knowledge and mastery of petroleum operations.
In 1999, Dr. Gaius-Obaseki reached the pinnacle of his career when he emerged as NNPC's Group Managing Director. During his tenure, he spearheaded wide-ranging reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria's oil and gas sector for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
President Tinubu specifically noted the industry veteran's transformative influence across the entire value chain, including:
- Deep offshore exploration initiatives
- Gas development projects
- Pipeline and depot construction
- Refinery rehabilitation programs
- LNG expansion efforts
- Global petroleum diplomacy
The President further commended Gaius-Obaseki for championing crucial operational and legal reforms, instituting an external marketing strategy, and building mega stations that continue to define his enduring legacy at the corporation.
NNPC Launches Health Insurance for Station Attendants
In related developments, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has launched a comprehensive health insurance scheme for service attendants across its petrol stations nationwide.
According to a statement signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh, the initiative represents NNPC's commitment to advancing workers' welfare and improving service quality for customers. The Attendants' Health Insurance Scheme, launched recently by NNPC Retail Ltd in partnership with NNPC HMO, will onboard over 7,000 service attendants to the NNPC HMO platform.
Speaking at the launch event held at the NNPC Mega Station in Abuja, Executive Director of Retail Operations and Mobility Baba-Shettima Kukawa described the scheme as a significant milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to deliver quality service. Kukawa, who represented NNPC Retail Limited Managing Director Huub Stokman, emphasized that station attendants serve as primary touchpoints with customers, and their welfare directly impacts service delivery quality.
President Tinubu concluded his birthday message by stating: "Your brilliance, diligence, and patriotism remain exemplary. Our nation owes you gratitude for your remarkable service." He prayed for God's continued grace upon Dr. Gaius-Obaseki as he joins the league of octogenarians, wishing him many more years in good health and strength.
