The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the President of the Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, for establishing the first crude oil-related industry in the state, named the Azikel Modular Refinery.
He gave the commendation during his first visit to the refinery complex at Obunagha in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
He stated that the refinery would improve the internally generated revenue of the state, create job opportunities for the youth, and change the status of the state.
“I am so excited that the project is nearing completion and I will be part of the history of inaugurating the first modular refinery in the state. It was an aberration for the state to have abundant crude oil and gas without industries or 24-hour electricity. My administration is ready to tackle the electricity challenge and engage investors to revive the state’s gas turbines,” he said.
He further urged Bayelsans to participate in the development of the state and support his administration in building the state, rather than leaving everything to politicians or the government alone.
“Dr. Eruani has established a modular refinery here in Bayelsa State. On behalf of the state, we congratulate and appreciate your great efforts in making our dreams come true. You have broken the jinx, and I pray our younger generation emulates you. We are glad that you are in partnership with the state government in its development; as a son of the soil, he knows where the problems are to lessen his challenges,” he added.
He urged businessmen from Bayelsa who are doing well outside the state to also come home and contribute to the state’s development by creating job opportunities for the youth, as Dr. Eruani has done.
The president of the Azikel Group, Dr. Eruani, stated that one of the reasons for establishing the refinery was to add value to Nigeria’s crude oil, create employment, and effectively industrialize the state. He also disclosed that the refinery is worth over $850 million and currently employs about 400 foreign and local workers at the site.
He took the governor and his entourage on a tour of the facility and appealed for partnership with the state government for the dualization of the road leading to the complex for easier transportation. He noted that the refinery is unique as it is the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa that can refine condensate in addition to petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. He assured the state that there would be no product scarcity when the refinery commences operations.
