I mentored Azikel refinery boss Eruani from ‘small boy’ to big businessman — Patience Jonathan

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's wife, Patience Jonathan, recounted the journey of Dr. Azibapu Eruani, the Group President of Azikel Group, from a young "small boy" to a prominent businessman. Patience explained that she personally mentored the young Eruani, guiding him to follow the footsteps of billionaires Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata.

Despite being the youngest in their circle, Patience ensured that Eruani aspired to reach their level, expressing her hope that he would become as successful as Dangote. When Eruani shared his ambitions, Patience reassured him that his dreams were ambitious, but she continued to support him. During the Buhari administration, Eruani and others applied for a refinery license, which was initially denied.

However, after persistent efforts, they were eventually granted three licenses. The inspection tour coincided with the installation of the refinery's Crude Distillation Unit, marking a significant milestone in the $1bn facility's development. The 25,000 barrels-per-day plant is a private hydro-skimming refinery, designed to process condensate into various petroleum products.

It is expected to become Nigeria's second-largest full-scale refinery and the first major privately-owned refinery in the Niger Delta. The event also highlighted the refinery's potential to create jobs and boost economic growth in Bayelsa State, with Governor Douye Diri and the Bayelsa State Government showing strong support for the project.