Former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, has said she played a significant role in mentoring the founder and CEO of Azikel Group, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, from his early years to becoming a successful businessman

Jonathan reportedly described Eruani as a young man she knew as a “small boy” before he grew into a prominent entrepreneur.

She made the remark while speaking about Eruani’s journey in business and his development into one of the notable industrialists from the Niger Delta.

According to her, her relationship with Eruani goes beyond business, noting that she supported and encouraged him during his formative years.

Eruani is the founder of Azikel Group, which has interests in several sectors, including oil and gas, aviation, construction and refining. The company’s Azikel Petroleum Refinery project in Bayelsa State has been positioned as part of efforts to expand Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.

Jonathan’s comments highlight the entrepreneur’s transformation from his early beginnings into a major businessman with investments in strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.