Jonathan Unveils Azikel’s New Helicopters For Niger Delta Operations

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has unveiled two newly acquired helicopters by the Azikel Group, describing them as modern and well-equipped to meet the demands of operations in the riverine and offshore terrains of the Niger Delta.

Jonathan, who performed the unveiling on Tuesday at the company’s operational base in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State commended the investment of the Azikel Group in Nigeria, noting that the acquisition of the fleet demonstrates a commitment to safety, efficiency, and global operational standards.

He said the two new helicopters, a 2025 Bell 505 and a 2025 Agusta 109SP Elite Configuration, are special and spectacular additions that will enhance the company’s capacity to operate in the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta.

Jonathan also visited the Azikel Refinery, which is nearing completion, and expressed optimism about the economic and industrial benefits the facility will bring to Bayelsa and Nigeria.

“I am impressed with the pace of work, with the Azikel Refinery at completion phase. The industrial benefits of the refinery is such that it would generate a lot of revenue to the Federal and state government, while Bayelsans and Nigerians would be engaged productively.

“The Azikel Group investment in Nigeria is laudable, supporting the federal government in closing the unemployment gap and creating multiplier jobs and promoting MSMES, thereby improving the nation’s GDP,” Jonathan added.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, thanked the former President for visiting the operational base and refinery, as well as for unveiling the helicopters.

He said, “The 2025 Agusta 109SP is the best helicopter, it is built to adapt to challenging weather, highly efficient and reliable for maximum comfort and safe flight. It flew from Italy to Nigeria and owing to the inbuilt capabilities, it only require programming to fly to different destinations in Nigeria with little supervision by certified pilot.

“This is the latest Bell 505 which is the best of its kind; and it’s also built for comfort and safety, such that the computerized device can detect turbulence and send signals for safe landing.”

He assured that the refinery products would be of top quality that meets the international standards.

“The refinery would dispense PMS, AGO, LPG, Aviation Fuel and heavy Fuel Oil. The products of the Azikel Refinery is of highest quality and grade Euro 6 to meet the highest international specifications,” he said.