Dr. Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson also known as Mama BOVAS was born on December 05, 1949, into a prominent family of Iree origin in Boripe Local Government, Osun State. She grew up in a deeply religious household, instilled with a strong sense of faith in God. Victoria Adunola received her secondary education at Ilesa Grammar School.
Victoria Adunola Samson has further enriched her knowledge and skills by participating in prestigious programs at Harvard University Business School. She has also attended the Chief Executive Program at Lagos Business School in Nigeria and IESE Barcelona in Spain. Additionally, she holds a Professional Diploma in Marketing. Dr. Mrs. V.A Samson continuously seeks to enhance her expertise through various management, strategy, and leadership courses, seminars, and training programs, both domestically and internationally.
Starting out with humble beginnings, Victoria began her career as a marketer with Mobil Plc. Over time, she worked her way up and became a dealer under Texaco Nigeria Ltd (now MRS Plc) in 1980. With more than 25 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry, she established herself as an exceptional marketer. In 1990, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Texaco Plc, Best Dealer Award for the Latin American/West African Region (LAWA). This award recognized her outstanding sales performance, marketing innovations, and exceptional customer service. Notably, she became the first Nigerian to win this highly competitive award, achieving the highest sales in both regions combined that year.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson co-founded the BOVAS group with her husband in 1980 as an independent petroleum marketing company aimed to address the supply chain gap in the distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria. It obtained its operational license in the same year. In 1991, BOVAS opened its first service station in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, and currently operates 119 service stations across the country. To meet the needs of domestic gas customers, a Liquefied Petroleum Gas Plant was added to the group in 1995.
By aligning strategic operating plans with long-term objectives set by the Board, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson has successfully directed the company’s strategy. Under her leadership, BOVAS and Company Limited has achieved significant growth in the retail division. From a single petroleum products service station, the company now operates a network of 185 stations as of the beginning of 2023. Victoria Adunola Samson has been able to develop and implement the company policies into profitable growth and efficient operations.
In addition to overseeing business strategies and maintaining client relationships across various industries, including the economy and petroleum products, Dr. Mrs. Samson’s strategic vision led the company to invest in infrastructure. They constructed a storage facility in Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos with a capacity of 22,OOOMT for white petroleum products. In addition, they acquired a 40,OOOMT storage facility in Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos State. Both facilities can load over 10 million liters of products daily at full capacity.
The Company’s objective to become a self-sustaining institution in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum industry was also achieved under her leadership. She oversaw the establishment of a lubricant plant capable of producing 40 million liters per annum of various lubricant grades. The company also entered the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market, setting up a plant and installing LPG skids in over 35 locations by the end of 2022. To support their operations, BOVAS and Company Limited acquired and currently operates a fleet of 300 haulage trucks with the plans for expansion to other parts of the West Coasts, other African countries, and beyond. Dr. Mrs. Samson’s business acumen has played a key role in the company’s growth and success. She is the brain behind corporate strategy, business implementation, and performance delivery of the Group.
The goal to ensure that management and employees are aligned with operating objectives and performance standards was laid at her feet. Under her leadership, BOVAS has created over 1,500 full-time job opportunities for Nigerians, with additional part-time positions.
Currently, Dr. Mrs. Samson is leading a strategic re-organization of BOVAS and Company Limited to enhance stakeholder and shareholder value, with a focus on increased profitability and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria A. Samson has become an influential personality in the oil and gas sector, holding various leadership positions. She has served as the Matron of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at both the NNPC/PPMC Satellite Depot in Ejigbo, Lagos State, and the Apata Depot in Ibadan, Oyo State. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association (DAPPMA).
Mama BOVAS has become widely recognized in the Southwest region for her efforts during the fuel scarcity crisis in Nigeria. Despite the risks involved, Mama BOVAS not only stood up against the oil cabals who took advantage of poor Nigerians, but also empowered the masses by keeping the price of Premium Moto Spirit (PMS) stable during times of increased demand or scarcity. As a major marketer, BOVAS sold its products at the official price, alleviating fuel scarcity in Nigeria and improving the lives of Nigerians. As a result, BOVAS has gained popularity and expanded its branches across the South West, becoming one of the few well-managed filling stations that many people prefer for purchasing fuel.
Dr. Mrs. V.A Samson’s remarkable achievements in the oil and gas sector and her impactful contributions to society have earned her honorary doctorate degrees from esteemed universities such as Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), and Osun State University (UNIOSUN). She is aslo a distinguished member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and co-founder of the Bovas Charitable Foundation. She has received multiple awards and recognition for her contributions to various social and charitable organizations. Her achievements include being honored by the Nigerian Presidential Award, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists. She has also received excellence and leadership awards from esteemed organizations such as the Federal Road Safety Corporation and Nigerian Medical Association. She holds the title of Ambassador of Peace for international youth organizations.
Mama BOVAS has been a source of relief for people, particularly during times of scarcity and rising fuel prices in the Southwest. Her hard work and dedication in the oil and gas sector have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. As a respected leader in this industry, she serves as a role model for women in business. Her exemplary actions as an Akikanju deserve recognition and praise.
Reference
https://tribuneonlineng.com/victoria-a-samson-aka-mama-bovas/