Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR
President & Owner Azikel Group
Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR (born 1973) is a Nigerian billionaire businessman and the owner of Azikel Group. Azikel Group is a conglomerate in the business of Dredging, Petroleum Refining, Power Generation, Aviation, Construction and Engineering, with Azikel Dredging Nig. Ltd., Azikel Petroleum, Azikel Air Ltd., Azikel Power and Azikel Construction as subsidiaries. Dr Eruani is a medical doctor per excellence, his work careers span through civil/public service, the oil and gas industry and politics. Dr Eruani is an industrialist and a celebrated entrepreneur.
Early Life
Dr. Eruani was born on the 25th of December, 1973, in Epebu, part of the Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, to the Royal Family of Chief Allwell Eruani, (the Obanema of Emadike, Aguda the IX) and Mrs Rachael Eruani. His father was a successful businessman in Agribusiness, food and transportation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Dr. Eruani is a trained Medical Doctor from the University of Port Harcourt, with Postgraduate Studies in Surgery and later Family Medicine; he 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, along with several others.
Medical Career
Dr. Eruani practiced his early medical career in Westend Clinic and Ashford/Patrick Hospital all in Port Harcourt, his houseman-ship was at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Braithwaite Memorial Hospital Port Harcourt. Further practiced at the Sea Farrer’s Clinic in National Ports Authority(NPA) in Port Harcourt during his National Youth Services Scheme. He later joined the public service with the Bayelsa State Civil Service as a Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health. Thereafter practiced as an industrial medical officer in the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
After serving successfully in the oil and gas Industry, Dr. Eruani accepted an offer as Chief Physician to the first Civilian Governor of Old Rivers State, late Chief Melford Okilo. Dr. Eruani’s meticulous and diligent composure at his job precipitated his appointment as Special Adviser on HIV/AIDS and Community Health to the Governor of Bayelsa State, the then Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Administration as Governor Bayelsa State. Dr. Eruani was assigned additional role as the Chairman of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA). He later served as the Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa State with distinction, were he earned the most innovative commissioner in Nigeria.
Philosophy
Dr. Eruani’s philosophy in life is rooted in the belief that success is attained through hard work, commitment and dedication. His commitment to the new industrialisation of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at Large through the establishment of sustainable businesses, creation of employment and wealth generation is unwavering. Dr. Eruani believes that the Niger Delta can be transformed into the hallmark of Nigeria’s new Industrialisation base by adding value to the crude oil through refining, as well as generation of electricity through the abundance of gas. He believes this will be a platform for true change and economic reform for Nigeria.
Personal Life
Dr. Eruani is a happily married man with children. He enjoys traveling, golfing and networking. His attention to details and organisation are among his greatest assets.