He was an alumnus of both the University of Warwick and University of Cambridge.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Warwick and a law degree in 1983 from
Cambridge.
He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1984 after attending the Nigerian Law School.
He worked for the law firm Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo after law school.
From 1988 to 1990, he was Editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna.
In 1990, he served as a Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources in Borno State.
From 1990 to 1995, Kyari was the secretary to the board of African International Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Bank of Credit and Commerce International.
He was also an executive director in charge of management services at the United Bank for Africa.
Later, he was appointed the chief executive officer of the bank.
In 2002, he was appointed a director of Unilever Nigeria. He also later served on the board of ExxonMobil Nigeria.
President Mohammadu Buhari appointed him as his chief of Staff when he was elected President in 2015. He allegedly wielded enormous power and influence in the presidency and was also one of few officials that had cordial relationships with President Buhari.
His death was announced on Friday morning by the presidency. He was infected with the deadly COVID-19 in March this year
The statement reads: “The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari”, he said.
“The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020.
“May God accept his soul. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly”, Adesina added.
Comments