By Danlami Nasir Isah
Chief Pius Akinyelure is an accomplished Nigerian administrator and oil industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in both upstream and downstream sectors. Born on October 10, 1942, in Ondo State, originally from Idanre in Ondo State, Nigeria. Akinyelure has had a distinguished career marked by numerous leadership roles.
Akinyelure began his education at St. Joseph’s College in Ondo State and later attended the University of Ibadan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. He furthered his studies with a Master of Science in Management, specializing in Organizational Behaviour, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry.
His career in the oil industry includes serving as the Executive Director of Finance and External Relations at Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. He has also held executive roles in several prominent companies and financial institutions such as Wema Bank Plc, Odu’a Investment Limited, Oluwa Glass Plc, Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, and West African Portland Cement Plc. Akinyelure brings over 30 years of experience in the oil industry, having worked in both upstream and downstream sectors. Before his retirement in 1997, he served as the Executive Director of Finance and External Relations at Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Akinyelure played a significant role in Nigerian politics as the pioneer Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2014 to 2018. He was first appointed to the NNPC Board by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 and was recently appointed as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023
Chief Akinyelure is married to Mrs. Olufunke Akinyelure, a lawyer and former Commissioner of justice in Ondo State. They have four children and several grandchildren. Akinyelure is a devout Catholic and was honoured as a Knight of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II in 2002. His contributions to the oil industry and his extensive experience in both corporate and political spheres underscore his significant impact on Nigeria’s economic and energy sectors.
Chief Pius Akinyelure was appointed as the Non-Executive Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by President Bola Tinubu, effective December 1, 2023.
His appointment is part of a broader reshuffle aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of NNPCL, reflecting President Tinubu’s confidence in Akinyelure’s ability to help steer the company toward new heights in a challenging global oil economy
Akinyelure is known for his philanthropic activities. Notably, he has made significant contributions to infrastructure development in Idanre, including the rehabilitation of roads and support for local markets.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Chief Akinyelure has made a lasting impact on Nigerian politics and philanthropy, earning him numerous accolades, including a Papal honour. His dedication, leadership and expertise have earned him a reputation as a trailblazer in the energy industry, making him an exemplary Star of the Industry.
Valuechain is pleased to recognize Chief Pius Akinyelure as our Star of the Industry, a distinguished honour bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the energy sector.