Iliyasu Isah’s NNPC Story: From Driver to Family Hero
When Iliyasu Isah joined NNPC Ltd. in 2012 as a container truck driver, he had no idea where this journey would take him. Neither could he have imagined that a career behind the wheel would not only transform his life, but also reshape his values, his pride in family, and his belief in the potential of women.
Park that.
Over the years, Iliyasu moved up to become a driver for senior management. In his words, "All my bosses have been women and that experience changed my life.”
He was raised in a culture in which sons were more celebrated than daughters, so Iliyasu silently wrestled with feelings of inadequacy as the father of three girls. But something began to shift in the course of his years working for strong, intelligent, female leaders.
“They changed how I see everything… I now look at my daughters and feel nothing but pride,” he said. And rightly so. His eldest is 22 and studying Cyber Security at the university. The second daughter is 20 and is studying Public Administration. The baby in the family is 14, finishing secondary school, with big dreams of her own.
Iliyasu shared that because of NNPC Ltd., he has been able to train his children and many others in his extended family. He says it is an honour to be in a position to provide, but it’s also his responsibility as a first son.
He has become a pillar in his extended family; an image of what opportunity and dedication can produce.
“NNPC Ltd. has done everything for my family… Many people in my village have eaten from the fruits of my labour with this company. I will always be thankful,” he said.
I asked him what else he was thankful for. He smiled. Nothing prepared him for what happened at the handing over ceremony of thirty-five (35) hybrid Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG). (You can read the story when you visit
https://nnpcgroup.com/insights/nnpc-ltd-donates-35-cng-buses-to-presidential-initiative-on-cng-restates-commitment-to-cleaner-sustainable-fuel-alternative). The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, boarded his bus with VIP guests in attendance.
“I’ve never come close to any GCEO…. I’ve never been on GCEO’s floor,” Iliyasu said, his voice full of emotion. “But the GCEO shook my hand. Looked me in the eye to greet me. I’m so happy.”
That handshake spoke volumes. It affirmed what he has seen along his journey here: Every role matters. Everyone matters. Everyone can be seen.
Leadership isn’t male or female. It’s human.
#HumansOfNNPC
#EnergyforToday
#EnergyforTomorrowIliyasu Isah’s NNPC Story: From Driver to Family Hero
When Iliyasu Isah joined NNPC Ltd. in 2012 as a container truck driver, he had no idea where this journey would take him. Neither could he have imagined that a career behind the wheel would not only transform his life, but also reshape his values, his pride in family, and his belief in the potential of women.
Park that.
Over the years, Iliyasu moved up to become a driver for senior management. In his words, "All my bosses have been women and that experience changed my life.”
He was raised in a culture in which sons were more celebrated than daughters, so Iliyasu silently wrestled with feelings of inadequacy as the father of three girls. But something began to shift in the course of his years working for strong, intelligent, female leaders.
“They changed how I see everything… I now look at my daughters and feel nothing but pride,” he said. And rightly so. His eldest is 22 and studying Cyber Security at the university. The second daughter is 20 and is studying Public Administration. The baby in the family is 14, finishing secondary school, with big dreams of her own.
Iliyasu shared that because of NNPC Ltd., he has been able to train his children and many others in his extended family. He says it is an honour to be in a position to provide, but it’s also his responsibility as a first son.
He has become a pillar in his extended family; an image of what opportunity and dedication can produce.
“NNPC Ltd. has done everything for my family… Many people in my village have eaten from the fruits of my labour with this company. I will always be thankful,” he said.
I asked him what else he was thankful for. He smiled. Nothing prepared him for what happened at the handing over ceremony of thirty-five (35) hybrid Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG). (You can read the story when you visit https://nnpcgroup.com/insights/nnpc-ltd-donates-35-cng-buses-to-presidential-initiative-on-cng-restates-commitment-to-cleaner-sustainable-fuel-alternative). The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, boarded his bus with VIP guests in attendance.
“I’ve never come close to any GCEO…. I’ve never been on GCEO’s floor,” Iliyasu said, his voice full of emotion. “But the GCEO shook my hand. Looked me in the eye to greet me. I’m so happy.”
That handshake spoke volumes. It affirmed what he has seen along his journey here: Every role matters. Everyone matters. Everyone can be seen.
Leadership isn’t male or female. It’s human.
#HumansOfNNPC
#EnergyforToday
#EnergyforTomorrow
