A long time ago

Before we met

A void was in my heart          

I tried so long

To fill the hole

But knew not where to start

To make a start, I had to

On that faithful day in 2004, I did

And the rest is history

It is part of that history we recount today

To reveal to us major milestones along the way

And hail those, past and present, that made it happen

We built around our strengths and relationships

Those in partnership with us knew better

For we were their Partner of Choice

I sought along the way to find reason for being

I looked through the fancy writing of our core existence

Only to find nothing there to fill the void

Yet beyond the world-class institution, we craft daily to build

Beyond the robust revenue and balance sheet, we gun for

Beyond the workforce that is skill-empowered and motivated, there is at the core contributions made.

And beyond the drive for excellence that is our objective to achieve

Beyond the dominance in the playing field that we seek daily

Yes, beyond the zeal to become the reference point in what we do, there is at the core major contributions and differences made to host communities.

In the face of dire circumstances

We soared together and came through it all

For we are now as unique and agile as ever

We are now on the road to recovery and restoration

It may not be easy, but it’s simple!

As simple as just showing up and committing to that little extra.

I am here today

To celebrate the impact and contributions to society

To celebrate the talents, ideas, and capital brought together to achieve something unique!

I am confident that the next decade will be cool and fun.

I’m aware that mountains will be leveled, and bridges built.

I’m optimistic that the next decade will be history-and-celebration worthy.

Reflecting on the significant moments through the last two decades,

All the emptiness fizzles away and the void is filled beyond appearances.

Eureka, I’m fulfilled to know the void can only be filled and sustained by meaningful contribution to society!

Written by Ebi Dike, the Operations Manager at Bell Oil and Gas