The Bayelsa State Government has commended Azikel Group for its significant investment and industrialisation efforts in the State, describing the ongoing Azikel Refinery project as a major milestone capable of transforming the State’s economy.
Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, gave the commendation while inspecting the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and other facilities at the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha Community, Yenagoa Local Government Area. The Governor also reaffirmed the State Government’s continued support towards the successful completion of the multi-billion-naira project.
Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the Azikel Group, noting that the refinery would contribute significantly to industrialisation, job creation and the opening of new economic opportunities for Bayelsans.
He congratulated the President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, and his team on the successful procurement and arrival of the CDU, describing it as the most critical component of the refinery and a major step towards the completion of the project.
The Governor stressed that industrialisation remains a key component of the Prosperity Administration’s agenda, noting that the responsibility of government is to create an enabling environment where businesses and investments can thrive.
According to him, the State Government’s ongoing road projects are aimed at improving connectivity and providing easier access to industrial investments, including the Azikel Refinery.
He urged Bayelsans, particularly young people, to prepare themselves to take advantage of the employment and skills-development opportunities the project would create, while cautioning against the commercialisation of opportunities meant for the people.
“The Prosperity Government, which is the agenda that we propagate, has industry and industrialisation as one of the major things. As a government, our business is to provide or enhance the ease of doing business.”
Governor Diri added that the State’s universities had produced graduates capable of filling many of the positions that would become available, stressing the need for Bayelsans to develop the necessary capacity to participate meaningfully in the investment.
Also speaking, former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, applauded the Bayelsa State Government for its support for the project, particularly through infrastructure development and improved road access to the refinery.
She described the investment as significant to the economic future of the State, noting that sustainable development could not depend solely on government salaries and allocations, but must be driven by investments capable of creating wealth and employment.
Dame Jonathan called for collective support for the refinery from the government, host communities and other stakeholders, stressing that its benefits would extend beyond Azikel Group to the wider economy.
“It is not the amount of money you get at the moment, but the investment you put on ground that matters. What we are doing is not for you alone; it is for all of us.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the refinery would have a significant multiplier effect on the State’s economy through job creation, increased business activities and attraction of investors.
Dr. Ogbuku noted that the project could also boost activities at the Bayelsa International Airport by attracting investors, contractors and other business interests to the State.
He urged Bayelsans, particularly young people, not to remain spectators to the investment but to acquire the skills and competencies required to benefit from the opportunities it would create.
He also commended the State Government for improving road access to the refinery, noting that the infrastructure had made the investment more accessible and demonstrated the State’s preparedness for the economic opportunities associated with the project.
Speaking on the project, the Group President of Azikel, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, described the refinery as a major industrial milestone for Bayelsa State and Nigeria, noting that the arrival of the CDU had taken the project to a critical stage.
Dr. Eruani disclosed that the refinery has a production capacity of 25,000 barrels per day and an investment value of approximately one billion dollars, adding that it would produce petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, LPG, naphtha and heavy fuel oil.
He explained that the arrival of the CDU represented the culmination of eight years of work and a significant step towards actualising the refinery project.
According to him, the CDU was constructed over a period of more than three years in South Korea before being transported to Nigeria on a specially chartered vessel.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, former Chief Operating Officer, Refinery and Petrochemical of the NNPC, Mr. Mustapha Yakubu, and other dignitaries also delivered goodwill messages at the event.
0 Comments