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Eruani Azibapu Godbless (CFR) (born 25 December 1973) is a Nigerian businessman and owner of Azikel Group. He also serves as a member of the advisory board of University of Port Harcourt Foundation.

Early life and education

Azibapu was born on 25 December 1973, in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, to the Royal Family of Chief Allwell Eruani, (the Obanema of Emadike, Aguda the IX) and Mrs Rachael Eruani. He spent his early life in Epebu, Emadike and then Port Harcourt, where he attended Kumoni Secondary School while spending time with his uncle, Chief (Engr) Okori Obana Christopher. He graduated as a Medical Doctor from the University of Port Harcourt, with postgraduate studies in Surgery and later Family Medicine. Dr Eruani is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. In a quest of entrepreneurial knowledge, Dr Eruani obtained certification in the Owner Management Programme (OMP) at the Lagos Business School, Senior Executive Programme (SEP) at the London Business School and the Advance Management Programme (AMP) at the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Eruani has attended several courses in advancement of his knowledge in the Energy and Petroleum sectors. These include "Process, Plant Start-Up Operations for Refinery and Petrochemical" by PTS Inc USA, "Effective Project Management for the Power Project Professional" and "Power Project Finance" by Powergen – USA, the "Global Customer Summit" by GE at CrotonVille – USA, and "Understanding and Structuring Power Purchase Agreement" by INFOCUS – Dubai.

Career

A medical doctor by training, Azibapu practiced his early medical career with the Westend Clinic and Ashford & Patrick Hospital. He later entered into public service with the Bayelsa State Civil Service as a Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and subsequently, a professional industrial medical practice career in Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

After serving in the oil and gas Industry, Godbless became Chief Physician to Chief Melford Okilo, the first civilian governor of Rivers State. He was later appointed as a special adviser on HIV/AIDS and community health in the Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, during the time he was Governor of Bayelsa State. Azibapu was assigned an additional role to supervise as the chairman of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA). He later served as the commissioner for health in Bayelsa State. Azibapu is the founder of Azikel Group, a conglomerate made up of companies in the business of dredging, petroleum refining, power generation, aviation, construction and engineering.

Skills and empowerment

Dr Eruani is a medical Doctor who, developed special skills in medicine, business and aviation.

Dr Eruani obtained his Private Pilot Licence in aviation in the United States of America. He owns at least three private jets/aircraft, ranging from helicopter to fixed wings. He owned his first private jet at the age of 36, a Hawker 800XP, then acquired a helicopter, Augusta Westland 109S Grand in 2012. In July 2015 Dr Eruani acquired and took delivery of another new aircraft with extended range the Gulfstream 450, to enhance transcontinental businesses.

Dr. Eruani initiated the aviation training program in Bayelsa State as part of his commitment to empowering local youths and addressing unemployment in the region. He collaborated with a specialized training institute to provide comprehensive skills development for 155 participants.

In the realm of education, the Azikiel Group, under the leadership of Dr. Eruani, has pledged to support the Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund in its efforts to enhance the educational landscape.

Businesses

In 2008, Dr. Eruani founded the Azikel Group in response to the need for job creation, wealth generation, financial independence, and economic sustainability. This conglomerate encompasses various businesses, including sand-aggregate mining, dredging, logistics and air charter services, power generation, and petroleum. The Azikel Group comprises several subsidiaries: Azikel Dredging, Azikel Air, Azikel Power, and Azikel Petroleum. Petroleum

Azikel Petroleum Ltd leads the way with the Azikel Refinery, Nigeria's first private hydroskimming refinery.

In October 2024, Bayelsa State governor senator Douye Diri praised Dr. Azibapu Eruani, the president of the Azikel Group, for breaking new ground by establishing the Azikel Modular Refinery, the state's first crude oil industry. This commendation came during Senator Diri's inaugural visit to the refinery complex in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area. He noted that the refinery has significantly contributed to the state's industrialization efforts and aligns with the aspirations of its founding fathers. Air Services

Azikel Air provides both scheduled and chartered passenger flights within Nigeria and internationally. The company holds an Air Transport License and an Air Operating Certificate, enabling it to operate both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Power Generation

Azikel Power is authorized for on-grid power generation of 500MW. Its initial phase utilizes efficient, low-emission, open-cycle gas turbines fueled by heavy oils and residuals from the refinery process.

Dredging

Azikel Dredging specializes in the extraction of sand and aggregates for the construction sector. The company also offers additional services, including sand filling, land reclamation, and canalization for corporate and governmental clients.

Award and honours

Dr Eruani Azibapu was nominated for an Award of Excellence by the US consulate in 2018. 

On 20 August 2018, Dr Eruani received  honour and award of Business Excellency, Innovation and International Partnership at the US consular in Lagos. The award was presented by the  US consul-general, F. John Bray, accompanied by the US head of Commercial, Brent Omadhl.

The consul-general Bray said this award and  recognition, conferred on Eruani is in the  advancement of  societal growth and development by putting in wheels of industries in motion. The US consulate applauded Dr Eruani for the achievement and progress of the Azikel Refinery, the first private hydroskimming refinery in Nigeria, which will create a multiplier business chain for Nigeria, sustainable wealth, which is a key index of a healthy industrial economy. Dr Eruani has made great success in dredging and aviation. His innovative style and partnership with international organisations is the key to sustainable business development.

In October 2022, a Nigerian national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

References

1. "Eruani Becomes Youngest Nigerian to Receive CFR – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
2. "Private refinery to begin operation in Bayelsa in 2018 - The Nation Nigeria". The Nation Nigeria. 2017-03-27. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
3. "Billionaire Businessman, Azikel Group President, Loses Dad | Frontiers News". www.frontiersnews.com. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
4. Nigeria, Herald. "Former President Jonathan, wife condole with Bayelsa businessman, Dr Eruani". Herald Nigeria: Breaking Nigeria News and World News. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
5. "We'll bridge infrastructure, funding gaps in UNIPORT – Industrialist". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2017-10-31.
6. ^ "Management". azikelgroup.com. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
7. ^ BD (2018-02-12). "Eruani Godbless: Medical doctor who built conglomerate". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
8. ^ "Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless | Azikel Group". Archived from the original on 2023-06-02. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
9. "I dream to change the world from home — ERUANI - Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 2017-10-08. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
10. "How I became a billionaire from selling sand — President, Azikel Group". Tribune. 2017-07-17. Retrieved 2017-10-29.
11. "Billionaire Businessman, Azikel Group President, Loses Dad". Frontiers News. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
12. "Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR | Azikel Group". www.azikelgroup.com. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
13. The, Nation (2022). "What National Honour Means to Me". Thenationonlineng.net.
14. Vanguard (2024). "155-bayelsa-youths-set-to-benefit-from-aviation-training-programme". The Vanguard.
15. adminEDTF. "THE GROUP PRESIDENT AND CEO OF EZIKEL GROUP OF COMPANIES PROMISE TO BE A PILLAR OF SUPPORT OF EDTF BOARD – Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
16. "Azikel Petroleum & Refinery". Archived from the original on 2019-01-03. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
17. Briseimo, Teresa (2024-10-09). "Gov Diri Visits Ongoing Azikel Refinery Project". BayelsaWatch. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
18. Ambassador, National (2024-10-11). "Gov. Diri Commends Eruani, Azikel Group for Pioneering Modular Refinery in Bayelsa". Retrieved 2024-10-19.
19. "Our Companies | Azikel Group". www.azikelgroup.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
20. "Our Companies | Azikel Group". www.azikelgroup.com. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
21. "US honours Azikel's president for promoting industrialisation - Punch Newspapers". 29 August 2018.
22. "U.S honours Azikel chief over growth - The Nation Newspaper". 28 August 2018.
23. Ojoye, Taiwo (2018-08-29). "US honours Azikel's president for promoting industrialisation". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
24. Nsehe, Mfonobong. "How Nigerian Businessman Eruani Azibapu Built An $80 Million Empire On Sand". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
25. "FULL LIST: 2022 National Honours Award Recipients The Nation Newspaper". 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2022-10-29.

• 21st-century Nigerian businesspeople
• 1973 births
• Living people