Gift Ayoade – Senior Finance Officer

Can you tell us about yourself and your role at BOG?

My name is Gift Ayoade, and I currently serve as a Senior Finance Officer at Bell Oil & Gas Ltd. I have extensive experience in Finance, with a solid background in audit coordination and execution, accounts receivable and payable reporting, financial reporting, inventory and fixed asset reporting, SAP ERP system expertise, and tax compliance. I manage banking and treasury operations, maintain relationships with financial institutions, and supervise, guide, and support the daily activities of junior finance staff. My role involves overseeing finance activities across our Lagos and Port Harcourt offices, ensuring reporting accuracy, and driving continuous process improvement.

What has been your most memorable project or achievement here?

One of my most memorable achievements was resolving a 10-year backlog of tax audits for our Port Harcourt office in just two months. This milestone demonstrated not only technical expertise but also teamwork, grit, and strong collaboration with tax authorities. I also take pride in leading in-house SAP ERP training that reduced our training costs by 80% and empowered my colleagues. When I joined the Lagos office in 2023, there were two years’ worth of outstanding SAP postings and audit backlogs. Through my leadership and commitment, we successfully cleared these—an achievement that required significant personal sacrifice, including working through weekends with very little personal time.

What’s your strategy for staying motivated during challenging times?

During challenging times, I remind myself of the impact my work has on the organization’s goals. I stay focused by setting small, achievable targets, staying disciplined, and drawing strength from my faith, and positive self-talk to stay energized and resilient.

If you could switch roles with someone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could switch roles with someone in the company for a day, it would be the Chief Financial Officer. Her ability to detect issues in reports almost instantly—sometimes without a detailed review—is remarkable. She’s highly organized, deeply strategic, and her multitasking skills are unmatched. Spending a day in her role would give me a broader understanding of executive decision-making and how financial leadership shapes the overall business direction.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I’m a jovial person. I enjoy making people feel comfortable and lightening the mood, but sometimes it can put me in situations where people may not take me as seriously as I’d like. It’s a balance I’m always mindful of.

What do you love most about working at BOG?

BOG is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. I appreciate the culture of excellence, opportunities for growth, and the supportive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. I especially love working closely with the CFO, whose leadership inspires me daily, and I find the one-on-one sessions with the MD incredibly motivating and insightful.

What is one thing about your job that you wish more people understood?

Finance is not just about processing and paying bills – it’s more about strategy, accountability, and smart decision-making guided by IFRS standards. Every figure tells a story and drives business direction. I wish more people understood how critical finance is to growth and risk management.

What advice would you give to someone new starting at BOG?

Be open to learning, stay humble, and take initiative. Ask questions, be consistent with your performance, and always align with the company’s values of integrity and excellence.

What qualities do you value most in a team member?

I value a ‘we can do it’ attitude, attention to detail, and a positive mindset. I appreciate team members who are proactive, respectful, and committed to the success of the team.

What do you love most about working at BOG?

BOG is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. I appreciate the culture of excellence, opportunities for growth, and the supportive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. I especially love working closely with the CFO, whose leadership inspires me daily, and I find the one-on-one sessions with the MD incredibly motivating and insightful.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

Most people don’t know I’m quite the DIY tech fixer—I once solved a major SAP ERP System frontend issue by teaching myself how to troubleshoot it. I also love music and enjoy quietly singing when no one is watching.

What are you most excited about in the future of your career?

I’m excited about growing into more strategic finance leadership roles, getting my certification, and driving digital transformation through tools like SAP ERP System and Power BI. I also look forward to mentoring upcoming professionals and shaping finance policy at a higher level.

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Abdul-Hakeem Dan’Azimi Bello

Head of Human Resources

Abdul-Hakeem Dan’Azimi Bello is a seasoned Human Resources and administrative leader with over 15 years of professional experience in driving organizational success through strategic human resources management and administrative functions. He has played a pivotal role in defining and implementing comprehensive HR strategies aligned with corporate goals. His expertise extends to talent acquisition, workforce management, training program development, and employee relations, supporting over 100 employees and facilitating major workforce expansions.

Bello has demonstrated a proven ability to manage complex projects, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a strong organizational culture. His technical skills include proficiency in tools like Microsoft Suite, Slack, and HR Information Systems (HRIS), making him adept in optimizing HR functions through data-driven decision-making and process improvement.

In addition to his operational excellence, AD Bello has earned various certifications in HR management and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). He holds a BSc in Accounting from Bayero University, Kano and an MSc in Treasury Management. He has actively contributed to international HR initiatives and business strategy development.

Ebi Dike

Operations Manager

Ebi Dike is a dynamic and results-oriented operations and project manager. With a successful track record and specialization in pipeline and piping operations and projects spanning over 15 years, Ebi has consistently delivered exceptional results in complex and challenging project environments.
Ebi’s strong leadership abilities have allowed him to effectively coordinate cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring seamless communication throughout project lifecycles. Since his involvement in the Bonga FPSO project in 2004, Ebi has lead project teams on other FPSOs like Erha, Agbami, Akpo, Usan, and Egina. He has also led project teams on other offshore and land production facilities like Total’s Ikike Project, Chevron’s DSO – Meren GGCP & SONAM Projects, Interplant Corridor Escravos Pipeline Project, and Abiteye Sewage Treatment Plant Project.
Ebi’s technical expertise is complemented by his in-depth knowledge of industry regulations, safety protocols, and quality control standards. He consistently applies best practices and innovative solutions to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and minimize risks. His ability to analyze complex situations and make data-driven decisions has proven invaluable in resolving challenges and delivering successful outcomes. As Operations Manager, Ebi is responsible for managing cross-functional field operations and delivering various complex projects across an array of clients.
Ebi has a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Geology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Information Technology, both from Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He holds certifications in relevant areas such as piping design, equipment maintenance, safety, quality, and project management methodologies. He has also completed several training programmes in engineering design, construction, management, and improvement in operational processes. Ebi also actively pursues continuous learning opportunities and stays updated with the latest industry advancements.
Beyond oil and gas services, Ebi has interests in Systems and Design thinking, Data analytics, Agile concepts and principles, Lean Six Sigma principles, and emerging technologies. He is also an avid reader of different genres. Ebi is keen on making contributions to positively impact his immediate environment and the society at large.

Aigbe Abohi

Finance Manager

Aigbe Abohi is a seasoned professional with almost 10 years cognate industry experience in areas of accounting, financial management, financial planning and reporting, budgeting, and operational finance.

Prior to joining Bell Oil and Gas, he was a General Ledger Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc where he was responsible for general accounting operations, financial reporting, suggesting, and implementing sound internal control procedures, designing standard operating procedure manuals, preparing annual audited financial statements, as well as leading and coordinating external audit exercises for various companies in the agro allied value chain. He had also functioned as a finance and accounts team lead in other organizations where he oversaw finance and management reporting, accounts payables and receivables, inventory, payroll as well as fixed assets management.

In his current role at Bell Oil and Gas, he is responsible for supervising the finance team, coordinating a variety of finance and accounts activities including general accounting, accounts payables, payroll and treasury management, financial reporting and budgeting amongst others.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Benin, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

His hobbies include studying, sports, music, movies and networking.

Chinwe Ama-Boms

Plant Manager, OCTG Threading and Machining Plant

Chinwe is a result-driven and seasoned engineer with a proven history of plant setup and production optimization through improved efficiency, cost and waste reduction, enhanced product quality and resource management. He believes in getting it right the first time.
Chinwe is skilled in team leadership, training and development, strategic planning and innovative problem-solving.
This has been proven in 17+ years of professional experience in OCTG precision manufacturing where he has managed daily plant operations, ensuring safety with zero LTI, high product quality with zero scrap and enhanced productivity, leading cross-functional teams to achieve production targets and optimize processes, implementing cost-saving initiatives, resulting in significant expense reduction.
Chinwe holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt and has acquired several tailored certifications in quality and production optimization.
Beyond oil and gas, he has an interest in family, reading different genres and good governance.

DR. (Engr). Chima Ibeneche

Chairman, Board of Directors

Dr. (Engr.) Chima has over 31 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He spent his first three years with Schlumberger where he started out in 1978. He joined The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1986. Chima was sent overseas on assignment as Senior Petrophysicist, Land Operations, in  Nederlandse Aardolle Maatschaappij, a Shell/ Esso company in Assen, northern Netherlands. He returned to Nigeria in 1989 to become the Divisional Chief Petrophysicist. He was later appointed Chief Petroleum Engineer in the Western Division of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).

Dr. Chima drilled the first horizontal well in Shell’s operations in Nigeria. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the Petroleum Economist for Europe and Africa at Shell International Headquarters in The Hague, Holland; Acting Petroleum Engineering Manager, Western Division; Human Resources Manager; and Deputy Development Director and Corporate Well Engineering Manager and Service Director at SPDC. In 2004, he became the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), pioneering offshore and deep-water exploration and production operations in Nigeria and bringing on stream the Bonga field. Chima joined NLNG in 2008 as the first Nigerian Managing Director from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), a position he held between 2008 and 2012. During the same period, he was the Executive VP of Bonny Gas Transport Limited.

As the Chairman Board of Directors in Bell Oil & Gas, he is responsible for leading the Board on strategic matters and guiding the company on its strategic direction. Dr. Chima holds a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Doctorate Degree Honoris causa in Production Management from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. He is also the former president of the Nigerian Gas Association and a fellow of the Energy Institute of London. He also serves on the board of several notable companies.

EJIRO ERIVONA

Position: Assistant General Manager

Ejiro Erivona has over 20 years of international experience in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. His expertise spans Business Operations Management , Business Development, Contracts and process management in the oil service industry as well as the Exploration and production segment of the Oil and Gas Business. 

He has managed key business divisions for various multinationals like Falcon, General Electric and Baker Hughes, working in various countries in Africa and North America, leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams to achieve stellar business outcomes. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Manager, Operations at Nigeria’s Major E&P Independent- Conoil Producing Nigeria. 

Experienced in business startups, as well as new business generation, Ejiro has a track record of closing major deals in the IOCs, NOCs and marginal field operators in the sub-continent. 

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the university of wales and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Benin. He is also an alumnus of the Administrative College of India ( ASCI) 

Ejiro has a “Black Belt” in people and change management and has pursued the same with great flair. 

KAYODE THOMAS

Chief Executive Officer

With a solid background in corporate strategy, business development, project management, business analysis and supply chain management, gained from key positions with various blue chip organisations, Kayode has many years international and domestic experience in driving businesses to achieve their strategic and corporate goals.

Prior to Bell Oil & Gas Ltd, he managed and delivered various strategic projects for multi-national corporations in Europe including business process re-engineering, organisation design, change management, ERP solutions, mergers & acquisitions, and post-merger business integration. He held strategic positions in different organisations including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (London office), British Telecommunications (UK), Johnson & Johnson (UK), Cable & Wireless (UK) and GlaxoSmithKline (UK) where he managed and developed supply chain processes, new product introduction models, sales and operations planning policies, product rationing strategies, customer services and performance management methodologies across Europe. His various achievements led to him being named the Glaxo Wellcome IIP Award winner in 1998.

A finalist at the 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and a founding director of Bell Oil & Gas, Kayode is a seasoned entrepreneur with a successful track record of leadership in cross-functional teams. At Bell Oil & Gas Ltd where he has held the position of CEO since inception, Kayode is responsible for corporate strategy, business planning, major projects development, change management, corporate governance, strategic alliances, brand management and corporate social responsibility. He is also responsible for the overall direction, growth and expansion of the company.

A strong advocate of continuous learning, Kayode is an ardent reader of a range of books covering leadership, motivation, relationship building, crime, autobiographies, and Christian literature. He is also a presenter and speaker at international conferences with specific interests in Strategic Alliances, Nigerian Content, and Entrepreneurship.

Kayode is an avid animal lover, with interests in exotic breeds of dogs, parrots, horses and wildlife. He is also a staunch Formula 1 follower, a lover of cricket, rugby, snooker, polo and sailing.

A Harvard Business School and Warwick Business School alumnus, Kayode is a highly motivated and articulate professional who brings with him, deep business insights, strategic thinking, and extensive management and business development experience and expertise spanning many key business areas.

A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Kayode serves on the board of a number of companies, including several start-ups, provides advisory services to many organisations, within and outside the oil industry and supports young aspiring entrepreneurs in translating ideas into business reality. Kayode is also the founder and chairman of Rifugio Communications, a leading mobile phone retail and enterprise solutions provider in Nigeria. He holds a B.SC (Hons) Degree in Physics, an MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, an MBA and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration with research interest in Strategic Alliances and Implications for Local Capacity Development in the Nigerian Oil & Gas industry.

Kayode is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Nigerian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC-Nigeria).

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