By Tari Amgbare
Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, have lauded Azikel Group for its efforts at industrialising Bayelsa and the Niger Delta.
They spoke on Monday during an inspection of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and other facilities at the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The leaders pledged continued support for the successful completion of the multi-billion-naira project.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the refinery, describing it as a major step towards industrialization, job creation and economic growth.
He congratulated the President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, and his team on the successful procurement of the CDU, which he described as the most critical component of a refinery and a significant milestone.
Diri said industrialization remains a key part of his Prosperity Administration, adding that government’s role is to provide enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive.
He said ongoing road projects were designed to improve connectivity and ease access to industrial sites, including the refinery, and urged Bayelsans to take advantage of employment and skills opportunities offered by the project.
“The Prosperity Government has industry and industrialization as one of its major agenda. As a government, our business is to provide and enhance ease of doing business,” he said.
Dame Jonathan applauded the state government for supporting the project through infrastructure development and improved road access.
She said the investment was significant because the state had depended heavily on government, stressing that sustainable development rests on wealth-creating investments, not monthly salaries and allocations.
“It is not the amount of money you get at the moment that matters, but the investment you put on ground. What we are doing is not for you alone; it is for all of us,” she said.
Ogbuku said the refinery would have multiplier effects on Bayelsans economy through job creation and increased business activities.
He added that the project could boost traffic at the Bayelsa International Airport by attracting investors, contractors and other business interests.
He urged Bayelsans, particularly youths, not to remain spectators but to prepare and position themselves to benefit from the opportunities.
He also praised the state government for improving road access to the site.
Earlier, Eruani described the project as a major industrial milestone for Bayelsa and Nigeria, saying the 25,000 barrels-per-day refinery, valued at about $1 billion, had reached a critical stage with the arrival of the CDU.
He said the plant would produce petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha and heavy fuel oil.
According to him, the arrival of the CDU marked the culmination of eight years of work. The unit was built in South Korea for over three years before being transported to Nigeria on a specially chartered vessel.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and former Chief Operating Officer, Refineries and Petrochemicals, NNPCL, Mr. Mustapha Yakubu, among other dignitaries, also delivered goodwill messages.
