Bayelsa Businessman Vows to Lead State’s Economic Renewal

By Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

A foremost  industrialist from Bayelsa State and Group President, Azikel Group of Companies, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, has vowed to ensure that the renewed zeal to grow the state’s economy is sustained.

Eruani, who is currently building a refinery in Obunagha-Gbarain part of the state, billed to commence operation in 2018, in an interview in Yenagoa, called on the private sector to participate actively in making the state the new hub for business activities in the Niger Delta.

He maintained that industrialisation remains the key to getting out of the current recession in the country, noting that capable businessmen in the state must begin to invest heavily in the state.

According to the businessman, who was among the 22 licensed by the federal government to build modular refineries in the region, the private sector must drive growth, development and industrialisation in the state in particular and the region in general.

Eruani stated that their participation would expand the economic base of the state and create a healthy template that would support the government’s drive towards improving the wellbeing of the people.

He said his drive to galvanise efforts towards placing the state on the industrial map in the Niger Delta, Nigeria and the world had led him to establish companies in various sectors such as dredging, oil and gas, power, aviation, among others.

 

He rebuffed those calling on him to go into politics, insisting that his ambition is to take the lead in the industrialisation and entrepreneurial expansion of the state.

“There is no other one , than Bayelsa people that can change the wrong narrative of the state. I am passionate in being among those that will change the industrialisation story of Bayelsa.

“And as such, I am taking the lead in the industrialisation and entrepreneurial civilisation of the state. That is my major preoccupation for now,” he said.

He added: “My greatest desire is to see a sustainable private sector thrive in the state, which would contribute to human, economic and industrial development of the state.”