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I mentored Azikel refinery boss Eruani from ‘small boy’ to big businessman — Patience Jonathan
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter10 days ago

I mentored Azikel refinery boss Eruani from ‘small boy’ to big businessman — Patience Jonathan

Patience Jonathan, the wife of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, claimed she mentored Dr. Azibapu Eruani, the president of Azikel Group, from a 'small boy' into a prominent businessman. She stated she introduced him to influential figures such as Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, encouraging him to aim for success in business. During the previous APC administration under Muhammadu Buhari, Eruani faced challenges in obtaining a refinery license but eventually received approval for three refineries. The inspection tour included the arrival of the Crude Distillation Unit at the Azikel Refinery, marking a significant milestone in the development of the $1 billion facility. This refinery, located in Bayelsa State, is expected to be Nigeria's second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta. Officials praised the project for its potential to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth in the region.

Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady of Nigeria, revealed during an inspection visit to the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, that she played a pivotal role in mentoring Dr Azibapu Eruani, the Group President of Azikel Group, from his early career into becoming one of the country's leading businessmen. Speaking on Tuesday, she recounted how her encouragement and strategic guidance helped Eruani gain the confidence to pursue ambitious ventures, including the establishment of the Azikel Refinery. Jonathan described Eruani as a "small boy" she raised and nurtured, emphasizing that he was the youngest among a group of influential businessmen she associated with, including Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata. Despite his youth, she actively encouraged him to model himself after these seasoned entrepreneurs, pushing him to aim higher even though she believed he might be overreaching. She noted that when Eruani expressed aspirations of matching Dangote’s success, she cautioned him against such lofty ambitions, yet still prayed for his dreams to come true. Her mentorship extended beyond personal encouragement. During the Buhari administration, Eruani and a group of investors sought her advice regarding the feasibility of establishing a refinery. Initially skeptical, Jonathan questioned whether the APC-led government would approve such a large-scale project. However, she remained hopeful and prayed for the project's success. Her faith was rewarded when Eruani and others returned with news that they had secured three refinery licenses. The inspection visit coincided with a significant milestone, the arrival of the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit, marking a crucial step in the completion of the $1 billion facility. The 25,000 barrels-per-day private hydro-skimming refinery is designed to process condensate into essential petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene. Once fully operational, it is projected to become Nigeria’s second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta region. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, joined the inspection and lauded Eruani’s persistence in bringing the project to fruition. He reflected on attending the refinery’s groundbreaking ceremony approximately eight years prior, highlighting the project’s transformative impact on the area. Ogbuku emphasized that the refinery could serve as a catalyst for investment and economic development in Bayelsa State, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local industries. He also commended the Bayelsa State Government for improving road infrastructure leading to the refinery site, calling for sustained support for the ongoing project. Governor Douye Diri, represented by his deputy Peter Akpe, has consistently shown backing for the refinery initiative. The project is anticipated to provide numerous jobs and foster industrial growth within the state. Additional attendees at the event included the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Vice President of Azikel Group, Presley Asemota; and Isaac Yalah. Their presence underscored the broad-based interest and support for the refinery’s development.

2 reports

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
I mentored Azikel boss Eruani into big business – Patience Jonathan

Former First Lady Patience Jonathan recounted mentoring Dr. Azibapu Eruani, Group President of Azikel Group, from his early career into becoming a prominent businessman. During an inspection tour of the Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State, Jonathan highlighted how she encouraged Eruani to learn from successful entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, helping him build confidence and pursue major investments. She noted that Eruani, the youngest among a group of businessmen, was deliberately guided by her to emulate these leaders. Jonathan also mentioned Eruani's efforts to secure refinery approvals during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which eventually succeeded. The refinery recently received its Crude Distillation Unit, marking a significant milestone in its $1 billion development as Nigeria's second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Jonathan's mentorship role and Eruani's business achievements without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on personal anecdotes and professional milestones rather than partisan commentary. While Jonathan holds a former political position, no

Why factuality (90): This article provides a detailed account of Patience Jonathan's mentorship of Eruani, corroborating the key points from The Punch article. It maintains consistency with the broader narrative and does not introduce conflicting information.

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely neutral, presenting facts without strong emotional undertones. It focuses on reporting the statements made by Patience Jonathan without adding subjective commentary.

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7510 days ago
I mentored Azikel refinery boss Eruani from ‘small boy’ to big businessman — Patience Jonathan

Patience Jonathan, the wife of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, claimed she mentored Dr. Azibapu Eruani, the president of Azikel Group, from a 'small boy' into a prominent businessman. She stated she introduced him to influential figures such as Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, encouraging him to aim for success in business. During the previous APC administration under Muhammadu Buhari, Eruani faced challenges in obtaining a refinery license but eventually received approval for three refineries. The inspection tour included the arrival of the Crude Distillation Unit at the Azikel Refinery, marking a significant milestone in the development of the $1 billion facility. This refinery, located in Bayelsa State, is expected to be Nigeria's second-largest full-slate refinery and the first major privately owned refinery in the Niger Delta. Officials praised the project for its potential to drive investment, job creation, and economic growth in the region.

Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from Patience Jonathan and includes perspectives from various stakeholders, including officials involved in the refinery project. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any particular political side, providing information about both the personal mentorship claims and E

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Patience Jonathan's statements about mentoring Dr. Azibapu Eruani, citing specific details such as her role in introducing him to Dangote and Dantata, and her interactions with the Buhari administration. It aligns with the cross-source consensus from the Vanguard artic

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat personal and narrative-driven, focusing on the relationship between Patience Jonathan and Eruani. While not overtly biased, it presents the story through a personal lens, which may influence perception.

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