The Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, joined dignitaries on an inspection tour of the soon-to-be-completed 25,000-barrel-per-day Azikel Refinery at Obunagha in Bayelsa State.
The inspection coincided with the arrival of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), a major milestone in the development of the refinery and a critical component in the refining of crude oil into products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel.
Among dignitaries present were the Governor, Senator Douye Diri who was represented by the Deputy Governor Pastor Peter Akpe, Ph.D.; former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Patience Jonathan; Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Group President, Azikel Group, Dr. Godbless Eruani, CFR; Vice President, Azikel Group, Engr. Presley Asemota; and Dr. Isaac Yalah, among other distinguished guests.
Chief Ogbuku commended Dr. Eruani for his perseverance and commitment to the project, recalling that he attended the groundbreaking ceremony eight years ago. He described the refinery as an inspiration and a potential catalyst for investment, job creation and economic growth in Bayelsa State, urging Bayelsans, particularly the youths, to actively participate in the opportunities it would create.
He also commended the Bayelsa State Government for improving the road infrastructure leading to the refinery and called for continued support for the project.
With a reported investment of $1 billion, the Azikel Refinery is expected to contribute significantly to industrialisation, employment generation and economic development in Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta.
