By Seyifunmi Odunuga
With pomp and grandeur, high-profile political gladiators, traditional rulers, captains of industry and eminent Nigerians, on Saturday, 29th of July, 2023, converged on Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, for the 80th birthday celebration of a business mogul and founder of Bovas Petroleum, Architect Bamidele Olusegun Samson.
The event which was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan (UI), always so attractive Saturday, 29th of July, 2023 witnessed creme de la creme in the society, including movers and shakers in the petroleum industry and Nigeria’s business community.
As the celebrant, who is renowned for his philanthropic feat was ushered into the hall filled with blaring saxophones of jazz genre from Harmony Band, friends, admirers and Very Important Personalities (VIPs) could not hide their emotions as they joined Bamidele in a scintillating jig to gospel hymns that ignited the jubilating mood of the venue.
The introduction of guests was performed by the compere for the occasion, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, followed by the fascinating performance of Adunni Lefrentiti and the popular folklore exponent, Ajobiewe who serenaded the audience with his traditional display and rendition of captivating songs.
Thereafter, the celebrant was showered with a deluge of tributes from some dignitaries, most of whom described him as an embodiment of humility, diligence and kindness, whose positive impacts and philanthropic exploits transcend religious and ethnic consideration.
Baring his mind on the personality of Bamidele, Professor Alegbeleye, who is a member of his association in the church, “Deacons of Delight”, stated: “What people have mentioned about him so far here is humility, he is a man who gives without showing in his face, a man of many parts. Our association holds him in high esteem, they love him. Anytime we go on a visit to each of our members at home, Arch. Samson will make sure everyone is well catered for.”
“We have all benefited from his large heart and as the president of the association, we love him and continue to love him as we all continue to pray to the Almighty God to grant him more decades of greatness and enviable accomplishments, “he remarked.
Similarly, Omotomilola Osunde also hailed Baba Bovas as he is fondly called, describing him as a good man who has contributed immensely to Ibthe Adan Chambers of Commerce and Industry as its president. She subsequently invited the executive to present a gift they had for him.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief Koleoso, who sent a representative, said “In this hall as we are all here nobody can say Architect Samson has not touched his life positively. He is ready to help anytime people come across Tom. His exemplary virtues and Omoluabi ethos are too visible to be ignored.”
According to Koleoso, “Throughout the South West, his petrol station is the best. He doesn’t cheat reincrease the pump price. I want to urge all dignitaries in this auditorium to pray for his long life and good health so that we can continue to enjoy his impactful service to humanity.”
The Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, who was represented by Obalufe, Oba Olaniyi Adediwura, prayed for the celebrant’s longevity of life and divine health.
Recognising the presence of Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the monarch also lauded the celebrant’s wife for valuable support to his husband, stressing that “the couple deserves commendations for their restless efforts in making Nigerians happy through the selling of petrol at the normal price.”
Bovas Petroleum has set a standard and carved a niche for themselves in the petroleum industry and prayed for them to live long. Finally, Obalufe rounded it up with a praise song.
Also addressing dignitaries at the occasion, Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, said though “Baba Bovas hails from Osun, his legendary kindness does not have a border. Bovas is synonymous with integrity, honesty, kindness and humility, which have made him a household name in the South West and Nigeria as a whole.
He posited: Baba Bovas has given so much to Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole. This is a big lesson to some of us and I want to implore all the dignitaries present to learn from the celebrant, Architect Bamidele Olusegun Samson for his exemplary service to humanity. “It is today I understand the meaning of BOVAS. “B” stands for Bamidele, “O” stands for Olusegun while “V” stands for Victoria, “A” stands for Adunola which is his wife’s name and “S” stands for Samson.”
In his remark, Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, thanked God for Baba Bovas’s 80th birthday and prayed to God that he will be 90, 100 and strain more years.
He said: “Today as I was praying that rain must not fall because I want to attend Baba Bova’s birthday when I got to Abuja, I told my pilot that I want to go to Ibadan immediately after I finish my meeting, the pilot told me that I should pray that rain must not fall, and since then I have been praying and fortunately, the rain did not fall.
“Meanwhile, the good deeds of BOVAS Petroleum in this Nigeria are unquantifiable. My brother has earlier said that you love the people of this country and anybody who does that, I Adeleke will like the person. If some petrol dealers are selling their petrol at a higher price, you will sell at a reasonable price. So when Mama met me at Ogbomoso and told me that Baba Bovas will celebrate his birthday I told her that if I don’t travel I will come and I thank God today that I made it. I pray for the long life of Baba Bovas in good health.
Also, two of the celebrant’s children, the wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Mutiat Ladoja, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, President, Omo Ajorosun, Alli, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, Comrade Ademola Babalola and others showered encomiums on the celebrant, describing him as a good father and disciplinarian.
Similarly, dignitaries present at the occasion lauded the awards-winning caterer, CEO, of Ripples Catering and Events who catered for the event as a well Organized catering organisation, as very understanding, mature and understanding the body language of their guests. They served diligently and ask the guests what they want to eat respectfully and maturely cording to some guests at the event Ripples Food is of International standard and should continue to that standard. She serves quality and quantity good of food.
Iconic juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade was on the bandstand and he dazzled all the dignitaries with beautiful tunes.
Wale Akinwale performed the toast and Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st Anchored the event.
The event was covered by Apreel1 Events Tv.
