Thank You Gov. Diri For Promoting Industrialisation In Bayelsa — Ikuli Applauds Azikel Refinery Project
Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has commended Governor Douye Diri for creating what he described as an enabling environment for industrialisation and private-sector investment in the state.
Ikuli gave the commendation in a statement dated September 18, 2026, following his visit to the Azikel Refinery project in Obunagha, Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He said his visit to the facility gave him a deeper appreciation of the scale of investment being made by Azikel Group under the leadership of its President, Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless, describing the project as a significant development for Bayelsa and the wider Niger Delta.
The Azikel Group, founded by Dr. Eruani, has business interests spanning dredging, aviation, petroleum refining and power generation. The company says its refinery project is designed as a 12,000-barrels-per-day hydroskimming refinery. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) acquired equity in the project in 2019.
Ikuli said the development of the refinery demonstrated the potential for indigenous investment to contribute to industrialisation, employment generation and economic diversification in the Niger Delta.
According to him, young Bayelsans aspiring to succeed in business and entrepreneurship should take time to study the journey of Dr. Eruani and the development of the Azikel Group.
He said: “It is therefore time for young Bayelsans who are aspiring for greatness to study His Excellency, Dr. Eruani Godbless Azibapu CFR. His ingenuity is almost beyond human comprehension.”
Ikuli added that his impression was strengthened by what he personally witnessed at the refinery site, urging Bayelsans not to rely solely on narratives about projects they had not visited.
“I say the above because it is not enough to stay in our homes and offices to talk about things that we do not know. Make out time to visit the site of Azikel Refinery and see what an Ijaw man has done,” he stated.
He further described the project as an important industrial investment capable of creating direct and indirect employment opportunities while strengthening Bayelsa's participation in the petroleum value chain.
The refinery has previously been described by the NCDMB as a 12,000-barrels-per-day project, with planned production of petrol, diesel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas and other products.
Ikuli, however, stressed that the story of the Azikel Refinery could not be separated from the role of the state government in providing an environment conducive to investment.
“This success story shall be incomplete without the mention and proper acknowledgement of His Excellency, Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri for creating the enabling environment and friendly business atmosphere for investments to thrive,” he said.
He also commended Dr. Peter Akpe, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, and other members of the Governor Diri administration for their contributions to the state's development agenda.
Beyond the refinery, Ikuli highlighted infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports and power projects as areas in which he said the Diri administration had made significant interventions.
He particularly referenced the state's 60-megawatt gas-turbine power project. In January 2025, the Bayelsa State Government announced approval for the procurement of 60MW gas turbines as part of efforts to improve electricity supply, with the government stating that installation was expected to be completed before the end of that year.
Ikuli also praised the administration's efforts to position Bayelsa as a destination for business and investment, saying the state's development trajectory should encourage Bayelsans to replace negative narratives with greater attention to emerging opportunities.
He said the transformation of Bayelsa should be viewed not only through government projects but also through the growth of indigenous businesses capable of contributing to the state's economic base.
The Technical Adviser described the Azikel Refinery as an example of the possibilities that could emerge when government creates an investment-friendly environment and indigenous entrepreneurs commit resources and expertise to large-scale industrial ventures.
Recent reports also indicate continued development at the Azikel Refinery site. In August 2026, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku inspected the project's Crude Distillation Unit alongside Dr. Eruani and other dignitaries, describing the project as having the potential to open a new chapter of industrial growth in Bayelsa State.
Ikuli concluded by calling for continued prayers and support for Governor Diri and the state government, while urging Bayelsans to recognise and support initiatives capable of expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the state's industrial base.
He also extended a special commendation to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe; the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei; and other members of the administration for their roles in the state's development efforts.
