Prominent figures including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, and NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku have lauded the Azikel Group for its dedication to industrializing Bayelsa State and the broader Niger Delta. The leaders visited the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Yenagoa, on Monday to inspect the facility’s Crude Distillation Unit.
Representing Governor Diri, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe highlighted the project as a vital move toward job creation and economic growth. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment through improved road infrastructure. Dr. Akpe encouraged local residents to pursue skills training to secure future employment opportunities within the refinery.
Dame Patience Jonathan praised the government’s support for the facility, emphasizing that sustainable wealth creation stems from long-term investments rather than reliance on government salary allocations. She urged all stakeholders to support the refinery’s success.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku of the NDDC noted that the refinery will likely stimulate the local economy and increase activity at the Bayelsa International Airport. He called on local youth to actively prepare for the new economic landscape.
Azikel Group President Dr. Azibapu Eruani noted that the arrival of the Crude Distillation Unit marks a significant step in the $1 billion project. With a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day, the refinery is expected to produce a variety of petroleum products. The unit’s arrival represents the culmination of eight years of planning and three years of specialized construction in South Korea.
