Born
25th December, 1973
Emadike Village, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State
Nationality
Nigerian
Citizenship
Nigerian (1973 – Present)
Education
Medicine & Surgery
Alma Mater
University of Port Harcourt
Alumnus
University of Port Harcourt, Lagos Business School, London Business School, Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania)
Occupation
Group President/CEO Azikel Group
Dr Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR
President & Owner Azikel Group
Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR (born 1973) is a Nigerian billionaire businessman who owns the Azikel Group conglomerate, companies in the business of Dredging, Petroleum Refining, Power Generation, Aviation, Construction and Engineering. A medical doctor by training, Dr. Eruani has journeyed over the course of his adult life through work careers in civil/public service, the oil and gas industry and politics. Today, he is a successful business owner and celebrated entrepreneur. Azikel Group, wholly owned by Dr. Eruani, consists of the following companies: Azikel Dredging Nig. Ltd., Azikel Petroleum, Azikel Air Ltd., Azikel Power and Azikel Construction.
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 the businesses of timber and poultry production 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. An industrial and entrepreneurial zeal inspired him to enroll in the Owner Management Programme at the Lagos Business School, as well as the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School and the Advance Management Programme at the prestigious business school, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Dr. Eruani has attended several courses to advance his knowledge in the Energy and Petroleum sectors. These include “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 with the Westend Clinic and Ashford & Patrick Hospital. He later entered into public service with the Bayelsa State Civil Service as a Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health. This subsequently led him to pursue a professional industrial medical practice career in Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
After serving successfully in the oil and gas Industry, Dr. Eruani accepted an offer as Chief Physician for the first Civilian Governor of Old Rivers State, the 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 in the Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Administration, during the time he was Governor of Bayelsa State. Dr. Eruani was assigned an additional role to supervise as the Chairman of the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA). He later served as the Commissioner for Health in Bayelsa State. Dr. Eruani is polished and professional, earning him an award of 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. He has a burning desire to ensure the new industrialization of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at Large through the establishment of sustainable business and the creation of employment, which he also sees as a sure way to engage youth and curb restiveness. Wealth can only be maintained with core value creation; this is especially true in the Niger Delta, with its current abundance of the crude oil production and no additional value created. Dr. Eruani believes that the Niger Delta can be transformed into the hallmark of Nigeria’s new Industrialization 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 Azibapu Godbless CFR is married with children. He enjoys traveling, golfing and networking. His attention to details and organization are among his greatest assets.