Former First Lady Patience Jonathan recently visited the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, to inspect the facility following the delivery of its Crude Distillation Unit. During the tour, Jonathan reflected on her longstanding mentorship of Dr. Azibapu Eruani, the Group President of Azikel Group, noting that she encouraged his early entrepreneurial endeavors and his aspirations to achieve success alongside prominent Nigerian business leaders. 

The $1 billion Azikel Refinery is a 25,000 barrels-per-day private hydro-skimming facility designed to process condensate into refined petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene. Upon completion, the installation is projected to become Nigeria's second-largest full-slate refinery and the primary privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta region.

During the inspection event, Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, praised Eruani for his dedication to completing the long-term project. Ogbuku highlighted the potential for the facility to stimulate regional economic growth, create employment opportunities, and serve as an investment catalyst for Bayelsa State.

Local government officials also expressed ongoing support for the industrial initiative. Governor Douye Diri, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, acknowledged the project's importance to regional development, alongside infrastructure improvements by the state government to support the site. Other notable attendees included traditional leaders, regional stakeholders, and executives from the Azikel Group.