The Right Honourable Cavalier (Chief) Festus Remilekun Ayodele Marinho, Papal Knight of St Sylvester, Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was born on the 30th of December, 1934 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State to Gregory Latunde and Janet Idowu .
He began his Primary School, education in Kaduna and Jos in the Northern Region of Nigeria completing his secondary school education at St Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos. He graduated from the University College, Ibadan in June, 1960 with a Bachelor of Science, (Special Honours) Physics (London) degree and obtained a postgraduate Diploma of Imperial College, London in Petroleum Reservoir Engineering in 1961.
In 1960, just before Nigeria’s independence, Chief Marinho joined the then Hydrocarbons Section of the Ministry of Mines and Power and Lagos Affairs . He rose rapidly ultimately becoming the pioneer and two-time Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation 1977-80 and 1984-85.
Chief Marinho was at the forefront of the development of policies and practices in the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria shaping the development of the industry, from the time of the declaration of the country as an Oil Province with initial production of about 50,000 barrels a day to its established potential of more than 2.5 million barrels, at his retirement. He championed the Nigerianisation of the industry and is credited with providing a pathway within the industry to many
His service threw up many challenges notably when in December 1975 he was part of Nigeria’s delegation to Opec in Vienna who were taken hostage by the terrorist Carlos the Jackal. In his inimitable way he struck up a rapport with the terrorist leader culminating in Carlos handing him what apparently was “his bullet” on the release of the hostages.
A devout Catholic , his faith took prominence throughout his life . His service to the church was recognised in 2002 when he was made a Papal Knight of St Sylvester . He is a member of the National Council of the Catholic Charismatic Movement of Nigeria and the first Editor of the Movement’s magazine “Glory” and its newsletter.
A philanthropist , he supported numerous charities and civic initiatives .His civic contributions saw him honoured traditionally as Esere of Uvwie and the Aro Olofin of Ijebu-Ife.
Chief Marinho is the author of many published technical papers and books including his autobiography: Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry: A Maverick Pioneer, a Recollection of my Life, Times and Contributions to Nigeria’s Prosperity and Reflections on the Nigerian Oil Industry.
His many awards and honours include : Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , the Chief Feyide Gold Medal for services to the Petroleum Industry in Africa.The Nigerian Petroleum Golden Jubilee Award and the Nigerian Energy Chronicle Oil and Gas Hall of Fame.
He is survived by Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Oreoluwa Marinho, whom he married in 1960 , five children fourteen grandchildren , a great grandchild , brothers and sisters .