PATIENCE JONATHAN: I MENTORED AZIKEL REFINERY BOSS ERUANI FROM ‘SMALL BOY’ TO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has described the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani, as a young man she personally mentored and encouraged to pursue success in the business world.
Jonathan made the remarks on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, alongside other dignitaries. A video of her comments later circulated widely on social media.
She recalled that Eruani was the youngest among a group of prominent businessmen she interacted with, including Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata.
According to her, she encouraged Eruani to associate with the established business leaders, learn from them and aspire to build a successful enterprise of his own.
Jonathan said she would often encourage him to stop merely talking about his ambitions and instead learn from successful entrepreneurs.
She recalled Eruani telling her that he hoped to one day attain the level of Dangote, noting that although she initially considered the ambition lofty, she prayed for him to achieve his dreams.
Jonathan also recounted Eruani’s efforts to secure approval for refinery projects during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
She said Eruani and some associates had approached her after deciding to apply for refinery licences, but she was initially doubtful that their request would be approved.
According to her, despite the initial uncertainty, Eruani eventually informed her that the government had granted approval for three refineries.
The former First Lady expressed satisfaction with Eruani’s progress and the development of the Azikel Refinery, describing the project as evidence of his determination and ambition.
The inspection tour coincided with the arrival of the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, marking another major milestone in the development of the facility.
The $1bn Azikel Refinery, with a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day, is a private hydro-skimming refinery designed to process condensate into products including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene.
Upon completion, the facility is expected to become one of Nigeria’s largest private refineries and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, who participated in the inspection, commended Eruani for his persistence in bringing the project to fruition.
Ogbuku recalled attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery about eight years ago, describing its progress as encouraging.
He said the project could serve as a major catalyst for industrial development, investment and job creation in Bayelsa State.
The NDDC boss urged residents, particularly young people in the state, to take advantage of employment and business opportunities that would emerge from the refinery and associated investments.
He also commended the Bayelsa State Government for supporting the project through improvements to road infrastructure leading to the refinery site.
Governor Douye Diri, represented at the event by his deputy, Peter Akpe, has consistently expressed support for the refinery project, which is expected to contribute to industrialisation and create employment opportunities in the state.
Other dignitaries present during the inspection included the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Vice President of Azikel Group, Presley Asemota; and Isaac Yalah, among others.
The arrival of the refinery’s major processing equipment marks a significant step towards the completion of the project, which stakeholders believe could strengthen domestic refining capacity and contribute to the economic development of the Niger Delta.
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