Patience Jonathan Reveals Role in Azikel Refinery Boss Eruani's Rise to Prominence

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has opened up about her mentorship role in the life of Dr Azibapu Eruani, the Group President of Azikel Group. According to her, she played a significant part in Eruani's transformation from a young man to a prominent businessman in Nigeria. Jonathan spoke about her relationship with Eruani during an inspection tour of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, where she was accompanied by other dignitaries. She recalled how she introduced Eruani to influential businessmen like Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, and encouraged him to learn from them. 'He's a boy that I brought up. We are always together. Although he's the little one among us when we are friends - Dangote, Seyi, Dantata, Eruani - among us, he's the smallest. But I made sure he followed the Dangotes, he followed Dantata,' she said. Jonathan also shared her initial skepticism when Eruani expressed his desire to build a refinery, but she eventually prayed for his success. The former First Lady noted that the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari initially refused to grant Eruani a refinery licence, but later approved three. The inspection tour coincided with the arrival of the refinery's Crude Distillation Unit, marking a significant milestone in the development of the $1bn facility. The refinery, which is designed to process condensate into petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and other products, is expected to become Nigeria's second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, commended Eruani for his perseverance and described the refinery as an inspiration and a potential catalyst for investment, job creation, and economic growth in Bayelsa State. Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, has consistently supported the project, which is expected to employ hundreds of workers and drive industrialization in the state. Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and the Vice President of Azikel Group, Presley Asemota.