Azibaola Robert, Chairman of Kakatar Group and Zeetin Engineering, is a multifaceted personality—lawyer, environmentalist, sports lover, and engineer—who has set his sights on producing Nigeria’s first fully indigenous car. In this interview with TAIWO ADISA, he makes it clear that contesting the Bayelsa State governorship is not among his current priorities. He also shares insights into his journey through the legal profession, his passion for engineering, and other personal pursuits. Excerpts:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Azibaola Robert, Chairman of Kakatar Group and Zeetin Engineering, is a man of many talents—lawyer, environmentalist, sports enthusiast, and engineer—with an ambitious dream to produce Nigeria’s first fully indigenous car. In this interview with Taiwo Adisa, he makes it clear that contesting the Bayelsa governorship is not on his agenda. He also shares insights into his legal and engineering journey, passion projects, and commitment to inspiring local innovation. Excerpts:

Q: With Governor Douye Diri nearing the end of his second term, don’t you think Bayelsa could benefit from your multifaceted expertise?
I’ve often reflected on that. Deep down, I know I could contribute immensely to Bayelsa’s development. But abandoning one’s true life mission is a dangerous detour. Would I rather become governor than achieve my dream of uniting Nigerians to build a fully homegrown electric car industry? The answer is no.

Q: So, you’re not interested in becoming the first person to transform Bayelsa into a ‘Dubai of the Niger Delta’?
That ambition, as appealing as it sounds, pales in comparison to being a trailblazer in the Nigerian automobile industry. Governors come and go—but building a foundational industry like automobile manufacturing has generational impact.

Q: So, to be clear—you’re not considering a run for governor?
No, it’s not something I’m entertaining. My focus is elsewhere.

Q: You’re known as an engineer, lawyer, environmentalist, and sportsman. How do you juggle such diverse interests, and which do you find most fulfilling?
Engineering is where my heart is. That’s what I find most fulfilling.

Q: Then why study law?
My mother wanted me to. Though I excelled in sciences and mathematics in secondary school, I faced challenges gaining admission to study engineering. Law became the most viable option at the time. I let my mother choose from three options—law, engineering, and medicine—written on paper. She prayed and picked law. I respected her wish, but my passion for engineering never waned.

Q: Have you practiced law?
Yes. After law school, I represented the Ogoni 19—activists left behind after Ken Saro-Wiwa and others were executed. I was detained multiple times for defending them. Ken and I were close; I even printed some of the materials used in his advocacy. These are the kinds of contributions that deserve national recognition.

Q: What inspired your goal of building Nigeria’s first wholly made car?
It’s a lifelong dream—not in the pipeline, as Nigerians say, because someone might “break the pipe” and sabotage it. No one individual can make all car components, but collectively, Nigerians can. I’m working to launch the Auto Parts Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to connect fabricators across the country—those making seats in Aba, upholstery in Lagos, or gaskets in roadside workshops. We’ll standardize and elevate their output to rival international parts.

Q: What do you think causes building collapses in Nigeria?
The real question is: Why don’t we build to perfection like other parts of the world? We use the same concrete, steel, and glass, but lack attention to detail and pride in our work. We ignore our natural resources—stones, timber, and more—that could make our buildings unique and tourist-worthy.

I’ve been to places where people travel just to see stones moved from one region to another. They build legends around them. Meanwhile, we in Nigeria ignore ours. That mindset needs to change.

Q: It’s said you’re personally handling the engineering of your Abuja mansion. Why take it on yourself?
Because I believe Nigerians—Africans—can achieve perfection too. I want to set an example that high standards are not exclusive to foreign firms. Our buildings should be used as educational models and engineering case studies. This project is also my way of mentoring young artisans and showing them that quality and excellence are within reach.