Azikel Group Aviation Training Programme: A Laudable Philanthropic Gesture
The management of Azikel Group and its founder, Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR, have issued a strong statement addressing what they describe as a surge of baseless and libelous publications regarding a purported N1 billion lawsuit. They categorise this as a transparent attempt at blackmail, character assassination, and an orchestrated "get-rich-quick" scheme by a failed pilot trainee, Ezekiel Kaiyai Dakouro.
The Factual Position of the Aviation Scholarship
The Azikel Aviation Training Programme is a prestigious sponsored philanthropic gesture extended by the sole sponsor, successful businessman Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR, to young people in Bayelsa. This programme is entirely free, with no financial commitment required from beneficiaries or applicants. Upon successful admission, the programme commits to paying a monthly allowance to individuals while they undergo initial mentorship and training at the company's aviation hangar.
During this period, candidates are assessed for character, learning ability, commitment, and their intention to return to Nigeria after being sent to the United States for further training. In the case of the failed and deceitful pilot trainee Ezekiel Kayiyai Daukoru, the company provided all study materials free of charge and he received a total sum of N3,283,200 as allowance and benefits.
Contrary to the "scam" narrative being peddled by Ezekiel Kayiyai Daukoru and his cohorts, the actual scam artist is the trainee himself. He was not asked to provide a dime for benefiting from the programme, yet he collected over N3 million while in placement. Upon the company uncovering his sinister plans to abandon the programme and elope in the United States, he hurriedly voluntarily resigned to evade management action for his fraudulent behaviour.
The Azikel Aviation Training Programme is devoid of any political or financial benefit to Azikel Group or its sponsor, Dr. Eruani Azibapu.
On the Outrageous N1 Billion Demand
The demand for N1 billion (approximately $796,000 in substitute performance plus N500 million in damages) by a failed deceitful pilot trainee who has received several million naira for no contribution to the company is not only frivolous but an insult to the intelligence of the Nigerian public. This is attributed to extortion through a calculated attempt to leverage the high profile of Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR for financial gain via sensationalist headlines.
Ezekiel Kayiyai Daukoru was caught in fraudulent plans to elope in the United States and abandon the programme, leading to his voluntary resignation to avoid disciplinary measures.
Defending a Reputation of Excellence
Dr. Eruani Azibapu CFR is a successful respected industrialist, philanthropist, and patriot whose contributions to the development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria are well-documented. He will not be intimidated by fringe media houses or "hungry" actors seeking to weaponise social media as a tool of blackmail and extortion. Azikel Group remains committed to youth empowerment but will not be held hostage by the very individuals it sought to uplift.
Recap of the Full Story
The Azikel Aviation Training Programme is a self-prestigious philanthropic initiative supporting Bayelsa youths aspiring for aviation training in pilots for helicopters, fixed-wing aeroplanes, and aircraft maintenance engineering. It has no political affiliation or financial benefit to the sole sponsor; its purpose is solely to support young Bayelsans interested in pursuing aviation careers, obtain the best training, and return to Nigeria.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Eruani Azibapu, CFR, the sole sponsor, is not interested in contesting the Bayelsa State 2027 governorship election or any political office. Two persons were selected after passing a CBT conducted on February 28, 2024, one of whom was the failed pilot trainee Ezekiel Kariyai Daukoru.
Candidates were immediately placed into the aviation training programme in March 2024 with a monthly allowance. Their responsibility was to understudy in-house engineers and pilots, undergo mentorship at the aviation hangar, and secure recommendations from supervisors for good character, dedication, commitment, and assurance of returning to Nigeria upon being sent to the United States.
Ezekiel Kariyai Daukoru failed in the character assessment and security vetting while on placement from March 24, 2024, to June 2025. He perfected plans to elope upon arrival in the United States. During this period, he received an allowance of N205,200 monthly for just being in placement at the aviation hangar for character vetting.
On March 26, 2025, upon commencement of admission procedures with the training facility in the United States, OSM Aviation Academy, and his visa application, management received a security report indicating his plans to elope. He had begun selling his belongings in Nigeria, with the intention never to return after securing his visa. As management uncovered this plot, he became aware and hurriedly voluntarily resigned from the programme to avert accountability and disciplinary measures.
Warning to Media Purveyors
Azikel Group cautions media houses and online platforms against disseminating unverified and one-sided narratives. Reporting on a filed suit is one thing, but amplifying a smear campaign without professional investigation is a breach of ethics and promotes falsehood. Those who continue to publish these falsehoods do so at their own legal peril.
