Twenty Years With BOG
Tell us about yourself (Name and Date you joined BOG
My name is Ebi Dike, Operations Manager at Bell Oil & Gas. I joined BOG on the 4th of October 2005.
Tell us about what you felt when you got your offer letter.
It wasn’t much different from normal because I took the job offer on the advice of a friend. However, a few weeks later, I found it to be one of the best decisions I had made then.
What project, moment, or achievement are you most proud of?
Three projects stood out for me.
i. CNL-Escravos Inter Plant Piping Corridor (IPC) Project
ii. HHI-CNL SONAM Project
iii. Saipem-Total Ikike Projects
How has working at BOG shaped your career and personal development?
BOG has shaped my career through a steady journey of learning and growth from day one. The environment has been challenging, with constant technological changes that I’ve worked hard to stay abreast of. Over the last two decades, my role has evolved significantly, requiring me to acquire new skills and continuously engage in studying, training, and certification.
Did you think you would be here for 20 years when you first started?
I honestly didn’t see it coming. When I first joined BOG, I had no idea I would still be here two decades later. But here we are and it has become a meaningful part of my story.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned at BOG?
I’ve learned that personal development is one of the best investments one can make. Also, the willingness to add value and go the extra mile; these are key ingredients for success. I’ve also seen how commitment to a chosen course of action can be truly transformative, shaping outcomes in ways one might never expect. Leadership and communication skills, or the lack of them, can make or break any team or group. Finally, having a clear vision for everything we do, coupled with the strength of character to execute it, is what drives meaningful and lasting results.
How has working at BOG shaped your career and personal development?
From day one, my journey at BOG has been a steady pursuit of knowledge. The environment here is both challenging and dynamic, with constant changes in technology that I have made it a priority to stay abreast of. Over the last two decades, my role within the company has evolved significantly. Meeting the demands of new responsibilities has required me to acquire additional skills, making continuous learning, training, and professional certification an essential part of staying relevant and delivering value. This journey of growth has not only strengthened my expertise but also shaped me into a more adaptable and well-rounded professional.
What’s one value or principle that has guided your work ethic throughout your career at BOG?
Early in my career, I realised that I must hold myself to the highest standards and take initiative, going beyond the leadership I might expect to receive from the organisation. This self-leadership has been the foundation for growth, accountability, and effectiveness in every role I’ve held.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your BOG journey?
I would tell my younger self to be more consistent in setting and pursuing goals.
I would also remind myself that learning alone isn’t enough—true growth comes from taking action and delivering tangible results.
Have you had any mentors or colleagues who made a lasting impact on you? Tell us about them.
I have always closely observed the now-retired Deputy Managing Director of Supply Chain and Business Development, John Akindele Rockson (JAR), Deputy Managing Director, Ayo Aderibigbe(AA), and our CEO, Kayode Thomas(KT), drawing inspiration from their leadership and approach to work. I see them as role models in many aspects of life. In addition, the Composite Pipe Systems and Project Management Office teams have had a tremendous influence on my career growth. Their collaboration and support have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful to them.
What has kept you motivated and committed for two decades?
My motivation comes from constantly learning new things and knowing that the work I do addresses real-world challenges. I am also deeply committed to BOG’s vision of being the reference point for true local content development in the oil and gas industry, and this commitment drives me to give my best every day.
What does the BOG culture mean to you?
BOG culture, for me, is all about excellence, personal development, and continuous improvement which enable us to quickly respond to the constantly changing business environment.
What’s one piece of company history or a “BOG story” that newer staff should know about?
There was a time when “Work as if you own the business” was part of our core values. I think we should still work as if we own the business to stay relevant and motivated – it’s called “intra-preneurship”! To transform into and become an entrepreneur becomes a lot easier when we view our work this way. It’s Brian Tracy who said that we should not delude ourselves into thinking that, as employees, we work for someone else. He maintained that there should be a mindset shift to start thinking that we are all running our personal services firms in one corner of the organisation. To make quantum leaps in our careers while keeping work fun, rewarding, and balanced, we strive to internalise BOG’s core values, making them part of our own personal principles. This alignment helps us grow professionally while staying true to the culture and standards that define the organisation.
Which of the core values resonates most with you and why?
I believe that everything rises and falls on leadership; without strong leadership, other values cannot be sustained. Equally important is people development—without nurturing and growing our team members, the values and habits that matter most will not endure. Loyalty and commitment are also essential; without them, transformative progress is impossible. Finally, in today’s dynamic business environment, innovation, creativity, and agility are critical. Being agile allows us to respond effectively to constant changes and uncertainties, ensuring that we continue to deliver value and remain competitive.
If you could go back in time, what advice would y
Looking back, what are you most grateful for in your 20-year journey with BOG?
I’m grateful to God for life, health, and the growth of my career. I am also thankful to AA, KT, and, by extension, JAR, for their vision and leadership in founding and sustaining the organisation to this day. Finally, I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, past and present, living and departed, who have crossed my path, shaped my journey, and contributed to my experiences at BOG. They are an integral part of my 20-year story and the person I have become today.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I take pride in my ability to develop the people around me, fostering positive service delivery, growth, and meaningful impact. I also value the capacity to guide and influence others, helping them achieve greater results both in their careers and personal lives.
