By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
The Tantita Security Service Special Volunteer Force (TSSSVF), also known as Tantita Security Ambassadors, has commended High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, for his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and community development. High Chief Pondi has provided employment to over 25,000 youths from diverse ethnic groups across the Niger Delta region.
The group also lauded High Chief Pondi for his humanitarian services and the distribution of welfare packages to various communities and groups, especially during the yuletide season. This act underscores Tantita Security Services’ commitment to corporate social responsibility, grassroots engagement, and sustainable community development.
The commendation was outlined in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of a meeting and signed by the group’s leadership: Coordinator Comrade (Engr) Efe Feludu Kwakpovwe, Secretary Barr. Andrew Efole, and Public Relations Officer Comrade Stanley Umukoro. Representing over 1,000 volunteers, including former student leaders, youth leaders, oil and gas experts, medical professionals, and environmental activists from oil-producing and pipeline-hosting communities in the Niger Delta, the group works in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. Their primary mission is to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental pollution, and youth restiveness through aggressive sensitization and enlightenment campaigns.
The group extended special congratulations to High Chief Pondi on his recent Award of Excellence for his remarkable contributions to humanitarian and community development efforts. The award was presented during the Kurutie Annual Amafinide Uge Festival, recognizing his dedication to community welfare initiatives. His innovative approach to security management has bolstered safety, economic growth, and development across the region.
Numerous accolades have been awarded to Tantita Security Services under High Chief Pondi’s leadership, including:
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The Meritorious Award presented to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), CEO of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). This award recognized his significant contributions to peace in the Niger Delta and successes in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The TSSSVF also highlighted the recognition of Tantita Security Services during a stakeholders’ meeting in November 2024. At this event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, announced Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.808 million barrels per day (1.8m bpd) and gas production hitting 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (7.4bscfd). These achievements were attributed to Tantita’s security efforts.
“Before Tantita Security Services’ engagement in the third quarter of 2022, Nigeria’s crude oil production had plummeted to 939,000 barrels per day due to rampant vandalism and criminal activities,” the group noted. “This not only impacted the nation’s ability to meet its OPEC production quota but also caused significant environmental degradation and disrupted the economic activities of local communities.”
The group praised NNPC Limited for collaborating with Tantita Security Services, a company established by Niger Delta activist High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), under the capable leadership of High Chief (Engr) Kestin Pondi. This collaboration, supported by Nigeria’s security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser, has led to significant successes in safeguarding Nigeria’s vital national assets and resources.