Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady of Nigeria, recently spoke about Dr. Azibapu Eruani’s accomplishments as President of the Azikel Group. She described him as a “small boy” she had mentored who has now become one of Nigeria’s top businessmen. Her support played a substantial role in inspiring Eruani to venture into business at an early age.
During an inspection of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, captured in a widely shared online video, Patience Jonathan commented on her role in introducing Eruani to prominent billionaires Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata. She encouraged him to aspire to their levels of success.
She shared how she encouraged Eruani to emulate successful businessmen such as Dangote and Dantata, offering him practical guidance along the way. She remembered his ambitious dreams of achieving success on par with Dangote’s and expressed her hopes through prayers for these aspirations to be realized.
Although Muhammadu Buhari’s administration faced initial challenges in obtaining a refinery license for Eruani, perseverance ultimately led to the approval of three refineries. This important achievement signifies a milestone for the $1 billion Azikel Refinery project.
The refinery, boasting a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day, is poised to be Nigeria’s second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned facility in the Niger Delta. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission, commended Eruani for his perseverance and acknowledged the project’s beneficial effects on local employment opportunities and economic development.
The Bayelsa State Government has consistently demonstrated strong support, notably by enhancing roads leading to the refinery site. Governor Douye Diri, through his representative Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, highlighted the project’s promise for industrial transformation and job creation.
Prominent attendees at the event comprised traditional leaders, government officials, and representatives from the Azikel Group, all acknowledging the refinery’s contribution to regional advancement.
