YENAGOA, Bayelsa State — Azikel Group has dismissed allegations made by former aviation training participant, Mr. Kariyai Daukoru, describing his claims against the company’s President, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, CFR, as false, misleading and already the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.
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In a detailed press statement signed by the Special Assistant and Lead Spokesperson to Dr. Eruani, Austin Ebibade, the company said the publication became necessary to clarify what it described as “misrepresentations” surrounding its Aviation Training Programme and the circumstances leading to Daukorou’s exit from the initiative.
According to the Group, the Aviation Training Programme was established in 2024 as a fully funded philanthropic initiative by Dr. Eruani to provide Bayelsa youths with opportunities to pursue careers in aviation through overseas training in the United States.
The company explained that applicants were selected through a transparent screening process that included eligibility requirements, computer-based testing, and an in-house mentorship and character assessment designed to evaluate discipline, commitment and suitability before international training.
“The programme was solely sponsored and funded by Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR and the Azikel Group. Applications were free, and no payment of any form was requested from candidates,” the statement said.
Azikel Group stated that during the mentorship period, successful candidates received a monthly net payment of ₦205,200, while undergoing practical exposure at the company’s aviation hangar under expatriate supervisors.
Addressing Daukoru’s participation, the company said he successfully passed the computer-based test and joined the mentorship phase in March 2024 but allegedly failed to secure the mandatory recommendation from expatriate supervisors after concerns were raised over his attendance, commitment, workplace conduct and relationship with supervisors.
The statement further alleged that management repeatedly encouraged him to improve and even extended his probation period instead of terminating his participation immediately.
“Rather than terminate the opportunity, Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR extended the probation period in the hope that Kariyai would meet the required standards and secure the recommendation,” the Group stated.
According to Azikel Group, despite the concerns, efforts continued to facilitate Daukoru’s admission process with OSM Aviation Academy in the United States before he voluntarily resigned from the programme on July 1, 2025.
The company also claimed that during his 16-month participation, Daukorou received a total of ₦3,283,200 in stipends and later instituted a ₦1 billion civil suit against Dr. Eruani and Azikel Group, a matter it said is now before a competent court.
“Azikel Group and Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR will continue to defend their position through the legal process,” the statement added.
Beyond addressing the allegations, the company highlighted Dr. Eruani’s contributions to youth development, industrialisation and philanthropy, citing his support during the Bayelsa flood disaster, investments in education, and the establishment of employment opportunities through Azikel Group.
The Group maintained that Dr. Eruani remains committed to empowering Bayelsa youths and would not be distracted by what it described as a campaign of calumny.
“We remain committed to our mandate: industrialising Bayelsa, employing our people, and putting the Izon nation on the global map,” the statement said.
The company also dismissed online speculations linking Dr. Eruani to the Bayelsa governorship race, insisting that he has no intention of contesting any elective office or accepting political appointments.
Azikel Group urged the public to allow the courts to determine the issues surrounding the dispute and encouraged citizens to examine all available facts while respecting the ongoing legal process.
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