EDWARD OSEGHE 

Business Ventures Limited (Buvel), one of Nigeria’s foremost private petroleum marketers, on Thursday celebrated 50 years of inspiring others nationwide with iconic spirit of integrity, service excellence and customers satisfaction.

Founded in Uromi in 1975 by Prince Clement Kennedy Okoeguale, Buvel has grown to operating over 11 filling stations across Edo State. 

The golden jubilee anniversary celebration, held simultaneously across all Buvel’s filling stations and at the Founder’s residence in Benin City, attracted government officials, customers, staff, community leaders, and well-wishers.  

Noteably, Buvel filling stations conducted raffle draws, rewarding valued customers with various gifts. Branded souvenirs such as umbrellas, notebooks, sip cups, and pens were distributed to customers across the filling stations. Music, refreshments, and goodwill messages created a festive atmosphere. 

Speaking to journalists at the Murtala Mohammed Way head office in Benin City, Prince Okoeguale reflected on Buvel’s journey: “It has not been easy. We faced court cases, fire outbreaks, and theft, but we stood firm,” he said. “Our watchword is integrity,” he added.”

Prince Okoeguale credited his wife’s support for his resilience: “The energy I had was that my wife was very cooperative,” he said.

While addressing the challenges of social vices, Prince Okoeguale said, “We didn’t build Buvel on cheating, we built it on trust,”, urging young Nigerians to embrace honest work, including farming and small businesses. 

Prof. Kevin Okoeguale, Director, Business Ventures Limited, and the eldest son of the founder Buvel,  described the milestone as a defining moment for the Buvel family. 

“Fifty years says it all,” he said, narrating Buvel’s evolution from the scarcity era of the 1980s to deregulation and increased competition in the 2000s. Prof. Okoeguale reaffirmed Buvel’s commitment to quality, transparent metering, and fair pricing.

At the Ikpoba Hill filling station, the station manager, Mr. Rocky Ogedegbe, noted that integrity remains Buvel’s edge: “Our meters are transparent, and our fuel is not adulterated,” he said.

Across other filling stations  including Aruogba, Benin-Lagos Road Tollgate, Oluku, Ekehuan Road, Ovbiogie, Sapele Road Agip/Obe, 2nd East Circular Road, and Irhirhi, customers praised the company’s excellent and cost-effective competititive services. 

At Aruogba, the station manager, Mr. Tobi Bowoto said Buvel maintains strong customers and staff relationships, stating, “It’s not always easy managing people, but Buvel has been a good place to work.”

Mrs. Helen Olorunda, station manager at the newly opened Ekehuan Road outlet, rated Buvel’s customers service nine out of ten. 

“When you lose one customer, you lose ten. So we prioritise customer satisfaction,” she said.

A tricycle rider, Mr. Chukwuebuka Ihedioha, described Buvel’s fuel as authentic: “Their pump is reliable, their fuel is not watered down,” he said. Another customer, Mr. Ruben Aigwobasimwin, said, “One litre is truly one litre at Buvel.”

At Oluku filling station, Mr. Destiny Omorogbe said Buvel’s consistent services keep him coming: “Their metres don’t cheat,” he said, holding the umbrella he won during a taffle draw. On her part, Mrs. Agho Ogale Blessing, another raffle draw winner, described the presentation of gifts to customers a  welcomed gesture.

In Uromi, staff and customers at the Old and New Agbor Road filling stations marked the occasion with the distribution of branded items.

Manager of the Sapele Road (Agip) station, Mr. Mohammed Mustapha, assured of Buvel’s expansion plans: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come. This milestone means a lot, and we look forward to better and greater future,” he said.

Staff across the filling stations expressed gratitude the management of Buvel. Miss Divine Onyebuchi described the work environment as serene and collaborative, explaining, “The management values our input, and we work as a team,” she said.

Crowning the celebration was the grand evening party held at the founder’s residence. Friends and well-wishers gathered for a night of music, dance, food, drinks, and dessert. Guests received commemorative souvenirs. Significantly was the a toast to the past five decades and another to the future, with the cutting of the golden jubilee cake, celebrating Buvel’s legacy and vision for the next fifty years.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of an ‘Award for Remarkable Leadership in Mentoring’ to the Founder and Managing Director of Business Ventures Limited, Prince C.K. Okoeguale. The award was presented by his protégé/son, Engr. Kenneth Okoeguale, Managing Director of Buvel Haulage Limited, in recognition of Prince Okoeguale’s outstanding mentorship; serving as a guiding light to Buvel Haulage Limited in its 15 years of incorporation. 

The presentation came as a heartfelt tribute during the golden jubilee celebration of Buvel, underscoring the Founder’s impact across generations.