The United States government has honoured President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani, for his investments in industrial ventures that create jobs.

According to a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa by Mr Austin Ebipade, Spokesman of Azikel Group, Eruani was recognised for changing the narratives by supporting the industrialisation and economic growth of Nigeria.

According to the statement noted the US Consul-General F. John Brady, accompanied by the US Head of Commercial, Brent Omadhl presented the US Government Award at the US Embassy in Lagos on August 20.

Brady said that the recognition conferred on Dr Eruani and the Azikel Group in advancing societal growth and development by putting in wheels on industries in motion, not for pecuniary gain is commendable.

The US Consul-General noted that the Azikel Group of Companies comprising, Azikel Dredging/Construction, Azikel Air, Azikel Power and Azikel Petroleum had impacted positively on the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the companies are privately owned and actively participating in redressing the contemporary problems limiting the region from development.

The US Consul-General stated private sector participation is key to the accelerated development of any nation, adding that advance nations leverage on the vibrant contribution and support of her private sector.

According to the diplomat, private sector was critical in growing a robust economic base that would gainfully absorb her citizenry into productive ventures, improve institutions and societal wellbeing.

He noted that Azikel Group stimulated the Nigerian economy through its industrial development initiative and for leading the Private Refinery Investment.

The refinery, he said is catalysing the new industrialisation and economic growth of the Nigerian state.

He also said that the absence of employment and dearth of industrial growth would hamper industrialisation, slow down the economy, while the citizenry would continue to grapple with health challenges, social vices, theft and cultism, poverty and conflict,

Brady said in support of government at all levels, the Azikel Group and its subsidiaries have contributed immensely in redressing unfavourable development in index in actualising the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Azikel played the role by providing jobs for the citizenry to close the unemployment gap, as well as create sustainable wealth and financial freedom in the country.

“Azikel Group is one of the biggest employers of labour in the Niger Delta and Nigeria, just as it has been in the forefront leading the leading the industrialisation and economic growth of the country.

“Industrialisation is the remedy to recurring chaos, crisis and conflict in the country, the Azikel model has continued to stem restiveness in the Niger Delta region, resolve issues of unstable power supply and insufficient and scarcity of petroleum products, as well as long queues at filling stations in the country.

“We applaud Dr Eruani for the achievement and progress of the Azikel Refinery which will create a multiplier business chain for Nigeria, sustainable wealth which is a key index of a healthy industrial economy,” he said.

In his response, Eruani lauded the US Government for the recognition of his effort in growing the economy through massive industrialisation initiatives, stressing that he remains irrevocably committed to the new industrialisation and economic advancement of Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the Azikel Refinery, which is at advanced stage of completion of construction, would remove the queue at filling station, end fuel scarcity and importation.

“Our motivation is centred on ensuring that we put food on the table of Nigerians, we want to close the wealth distribution gap, we want to change the unpleasant narratives about the Niger Delta and Nigeria and promote her economy to rank among the best among comity of advanced nation,” Eruani said.

He noted that the onus of changing and advancing the industrial development of nation rests on her citizenry; and that he has chosen to fill the gap to lead the industrialisation and economic growth.

He expressed his resolve to economic development by creating jobs, eradicating poverty and creating sustainable financial freedom for all Nigerians.

•Photo shows John Brady US Consul-General (Right), presenting an award on Economic Growth/Industrialisation of Niger Delta to Dr Azibapu Eruani, President of Azikel Group . . . recently at the US Consulate in Lagos. Standing next to him, left, is US Head of Commercial, Mr. Brent Omdahl.

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