Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, says the ongoing construction of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area, of the State has entered its final phase following the erection of its Crude Distillation Unit. Diri disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handle on Monday, October…...
Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, says the ongoing construction of the Azikel Refinery in Obunagha, Yenagoa Local Government Area, of the State has entered its final phase following the erection of its Crude Distillation Unit.
Diri disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handle on Monday, October 12, after joining former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the site for the ceremony.
The governor described Obasanjo’s return to the project site as nostalgic, recalling that the former president performed the groundbreaking ceremony eight years ago.
“It is nostalgic to have Chief Obasanjo back at the site of the refinery where he performed the groundbreaking for the project eight years ago,” Diri said.
He commended Obasanjo for his support towards the project, particularly his efforts to mobilise potential financial partners and other assistance to facilitate its completion.
Diri also congratulated the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, for establishing the refinery in Bayelsa, saying the project could position the state and its people for greater participation in the oil industry.
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“Congratulations to my younger brother and friend, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, the Group President, for the vision to establish the refinery in his own state with the potential to make our people major players in the oil industry,” the governor said.
He added, “We truly cannot be playing second fiddle in the industry when the main resources are found on our soil.”
The governor also highlighted Obasanjo’s comments on the need for oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta to benefit more from the region’s crude oil resources.
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Diri said he was particularly encouraged by the former president’s call for an increase in the 13 per cent oil derivation revenue allocated to oil-producing states, which was implemented at the beginning of Obasanjo’s presidency in 1999.
“I am deeply touched by the honest comments of the former President when he restated the obvious position on the fact that the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta have not benefited enough from their God-given crude oil,” he said.
“It is even more inspiring to hear Chief Obasanjo, advocate an increase in the 13 per cent oil derivation, which was implemented at the start of his Presidency in 1999. God bless you sir for speaking truth to power,” Diri added.
The governor assured the refinery’s management of the state government’s continued support, particularly in providing infrastructure and security to facilitate business operations.
“Our government will continue to provide an enabling environment including steady power and security for businesses to thrive,” he said.
Diri further pledged that his administration would support the project through its final stage and towards the commencement of daily production.
“To Dr. Eruani, the Government of Assured Prosperity will stand firmly with you in this final phase of project completion toward daily production,” he said.
