As part of 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility, BOG collaborated with the British Council and LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism) Africa to participate in the Fast Forward Project. LEAP Africa is a non-profit organization committed to developing dynamic African leaders.

The Fast Forward Project, an initiative of the British Council and LEAP Africa, is an internship programme for students in public Senior Secondary Schools aimed at providing the students the opportunity to experience real work environment, practice acquired skills and gain new ones. A total of 18 students from different public secondary schools in Lagos and Port Harcourt interned in BOG. They were drawn from Gbaja Boys Senior High School (Surulere, Lagos); Government Technical College (Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos) and Community Boys Secondary School (Elelenwo, Rivers State).

During the internship programme, the students were actively engaged in tasks that tested their practical knowledge and understanding of core skills in the 21st century.
Apart from gaining first-hand experience of how a work environment is run, the students were also exposed to skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, values, moral ethics, vision and goal setting. Other areas of focus include self-confidence and awareness, time management, etiquette and personal grooming.

Furthermore, the interns were guided on choosing the careers that they would pursue in the nearest future. Each of them was assigned to mentors who guided them on the limitless opportunities that lie ahead of them. The interns were also given the opportunity to work with at least three different mentors to broaden their horizon.

Welcoming the students to BOG, the Human Resources Manager and co-ordinator of the project in BOG, Mrs. Jessy Eni, admonished them to make the most of the opportunity given to them. She also urged them to use the opportunity as a stepping stone to greater things to come in each of their individual and future career lives.
The students were also exposed to the use of computers. Many of them who hitherto could not use computers had the opportunity to do so. They were able to get familiar with Microsoft Office applications and general computer usage. To ascertain the effectiveness of the programme, each of the interns made presentations summarizing the two-week internship programme using Microsoft PowerPoint.

During the close out activities for the programme, BOG’s CEO, Kayode Thomas, charged the interns to believe in themselves and aim to become the best in their chosen endeavours. Responding, LEAP Africa Programmes Officer, Mr. Daniel Emenahor, expressed appreciation to BOG saying “I am very happy for the students because of the opportuinity they have had to participate in this project. I really appreciate BOG for giving them the opportunity to experience how a work environment operates”.

The students were filled with joy, delight and appreciation. They thanked BOG for giving them the opportunity to participate in the internship programme in the company, while also appreciating the British Council and LEAP Africa.

Certificate of Recognition presented to Bell Oil and Gas for provision of internship work experience to students on the Fast Forward Project in August 2017

BOG CEO, Kayode Thomas, (3rd from left) with students from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos in a group photograph.

Cross section of interns from Gbaja Boys Senior High School, Surulere, Lagos; their counsellor and mentors in a group photograph.

Cross section of interns from Community Boys Secondary School, Elelenwo, Rivers State; their counsellor and mentors in a group photograph.

L-R: Daniel Emenahor, Programmes Officer, LEAP Africa; Kayode Thomas, CEO of BOG; and Mrs. Theresa Odunukwe, Counsellor of Gbaja Boys High School, Surulere, Lagos, during the close out activities for Batch A interns in Lagos.

L-R: Samson Ogenehan, volunteer at LEAP Africa; Kayode Thomas, CEO of BOG; and Emmanuel Adeniran, Counsellor of Government Technical College, Ikeja, Lagos, during the close out activities for Batch B interns in Lagos.

Above: Fuad Hammed of Gbaja Boys High School, Surulere, reading about the company. Below: Kehinde David also of Gbaja Boys High School, Surulere, making a presentation as part of close out activities for the project.

Bello Adam and Michael Enikanoseun of Government Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, operating computer systems during the internship.

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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.

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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