BY EDWARD OSEGHE
Business Ventures Limited (Buvel), one of Nigeria’s foremost private petroleum marketers has celebrated 50 years of inspiring Nigerians with a legacy grounded in integrity, you service excellence, and customer satisfaction.
Founded in Uromi in 1975 by Prince Clement Kennedy Okoeguale, Buvel has grown to operate over 11 filling stations across Edo State.
The golden jubilee celebration took place simultaneously at all Buvel filling stations and at the founder’s residence in Benin City.
The event drew government officials, customers, staff, community leaders, and well-wishers.
At the stations, raffle draws were held, rewarding loyal customers with various prizes. Branded souvenirs such as umbrellas, notebooks, sip cups, and pens were distributed, while music, refreshments, and goodwill messages created a festive atmosphere.
L-R: Dcns Mrs. Grace Agenmomen, Engr. Ken Okoeguale, Prince CK and Lady Theresa Okoeguale, Prof. Kevin Okoeguale and Mrs. Irene Kenneth-Okoeguale during the anniversary celebrations on Thursday in Benin City
Speaking to journalists at Buvel’s Murtala Mohammed Way head office in Benin City, Prince Okoeguale reflected on the company’s journey: “It has not been easy. We’ve faced court cases, fire outbreaks, and theft, but we stood firm,” he said. “Our watchword is integrity.”
He also credited his wife’s support for his resilience, saying, “The energy I had came from my wife’s unwavering cooperation.”
Commenting on the challenges of social vices, Prince Okoeguale stressed, “We didn’t build Buvel on cheating, we built it on trust.” He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace honest work, including farming and entrepreneurship.
L-R: From 3rd Left to Right
Hon. Justice Joe Acha (3rd) Prince & Lady CK.Okoeguale, Chief Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa and Hon . Justice Victor O.A Oviawe (first from right), during the anniversary celebrations on Thursday in Benin City
Professor Kevin Okoeguale, Director of Business Ventures Limited and eldest son of the founder, described the milestone as a defining moment for the Buvel family.
“Fifty years says it all,” he said, recounting Buvel’s evolution from the fuel scarcity era of the 1980s to the deregulation and heightened competition of the 2000s.
He reaffirmed Buvel’s commitment to quality service, transparent metering, and fair pricing.
The celebrations culminated in a grand evening party at the founder’s residence, where guests enjoyed music, dance, food, drinks, and dessert.
Commemorative souvenirs were shared, and two symbolic toasts were made—one to the past five decades and another to the future, followed by the cutting of the golden jubilee cake.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of an Award for Remarkable Leadership in Mentoring to the Founder and Managing Director of Buvel, Prince C.K. Okoeguale.
The award, presented by his son and protégé, Engr. Kenneth Okoeguale, Managing Director of Buvel Haulage Limited, recognised Prince Okoeguale’s influential mentorship and his role in guiding Buvel Haulage through 15 years of incorporation.
Also honoured was Lady Theresa Okoeguale, who received an Award of Recognition and Commendation from Buvel’s Managing Director for her immeasurable support in the company’s formation and growth over the past 50 years.
At the Ikpoba Hill station, manager Mr. Rocky Ogedegbe reaffirmed that Buvel’s strength lies in its integrity: “Our meters are transparent, and our fuel is not adulterated,” he said.
Across other locations—including Aruogba, Benin-Lagos Road Tollgate, Oluku, Ekehuan Road, Ovbiogie, Sapele Road (Agip/Obe), 2nd East Circular Road, and Irhirhi, customers commended Buvel for its excellent, competitively priced services.
At Aruogba, station manager Mr. Tobi Bowoto noted Buvel’s focus on both customer and staff relations: “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 customer service nine out of ten. “When you lose one customer, you lose ten. So we prioritise satisfaction,” she said.
Tricycle rider Mr. Chukwuebuka Ihedioha praised the quality of Buvel’s products: “Their pump is reliable; their fuel is not watered down.” Another customer, Mr. Ruben Aigwobasimwin, added, “One litre is truly one litre at Buvel.”
At the Oluku station, Mr. Destiny Omorogbe noted, “Their metres don’t cheat,” while proudly holding the umbrella he won in a raffle draw. Another winner, Mrs. Agho Ogale Blessing, described the gift presentations as a welcomed and thoughtful gesture.
In Uromi, both the Old and New Agbor Road stations joined the celebration, distributing branded items to customers.
At the Sapele Road (Agip) station, manager Mr. Mohammed Mustapha expressed pride in Buvel’s journey: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come. This milestone means a lot, and we look forward to a brighter future.”
Staff across the stations expressed gratitude to the management. Miss Divine Onyebuchi described the work environment as collaborative and peaceful, saying, “Management values our input, and we work as a team.”
