Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has said she personally mentored the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani, from a young businessman into one of Nigeria’s prominent entrepreneurs.

Patience made the claim during an inspection tour of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Bayelsa State, alongside other dignitaries.

She recalled introducing Eruani to prominent businessmen including Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, encouraging him to learn from them and aspire to reach their level.

According to her, Eruani was the youngest among the group of businessmen she associated with and she repeatedly encouraged him to pursue bigger ambitions.

She also recalled Eruani telling her that he would one day become like Dangote, saying she initially considered the ambition extremely high but prayed for him to achieve his goals.

Patience further recounted Eruani’s efforts to secure approval for refinery projects during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

She said Eruani and others had approached her about their plans to establish refineries, but she initially doubted whether the government would grant the necessary approvals. She later learnt that they had been granted approval for three refineries.

The Azikel Group boss is now overseeing the development of the Azikel Refinery in Bayelsa State, as the company expands its investment in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.