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Tantita Eulogizes President Tinubu, Commends Security Agencies, Tantita Staffers
By Inuwa Lawal
The company’s Chief Executive, High Chief Keston Pondi, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their relentless support and encouragement which enabled Tantita to excel in its mandate.
Pondi, in his remarks at the company’s end of the year party on Saturday, also gave kudos to all security agencies and host communities for their uncommon support since Tantita was hired by the Federal authorities to complement the war against criminality associated with petroleum products.
He also remembered those who lost their lives in the course of the war against crude oil theft, noting that rapid increase in crude oil production showed that their death was not in vain. Pondi said they would continue to be remembered for paying the supreme sacrifice in the national interest.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we (Tantita) won’t be where we are today if not for the unparalleled support and encouragement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, all arms of the security agencies and our various communities in the Niger Delta. We are eternally grateful to Mr. President, NSA, security agencies and our communities.”
“We must also recognise the roles played by our fallen heroes, I mean our workers and other stakeholders who lost their lives in the course of the struggle to totally eliminate crude oil theft in the nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta. They would not die vain and indeed, the steady increase in crude oil production has shown that they didn’t die in vain,” Pondi added.
The Managing Director, Tantita Security Services, an outfit engaged by the government to fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi has reiterated the commitment towards bringing a lasting solution to the unpatriotic act, stating that efforts will be redoubled in the subsequent years.
“He praised President Tinubu, Ribadu, Host communities and Security agencies- Navy, Army, Airforce, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Department of State Security Services
(DSS) for their support in the fight against crude oil theft and their encouragement of Tantita in carrying out its assignment. Their support made the achievements come easy in the onerous assignment.”
He observed one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the struggle, adding that the achievements recorded by the increase in crude oil production showed that they didn’t die in vain, saying fallen heroes are workers of Tantita and stakeholders who lost their Iives in the course of the fight against oil theft.
Pondi maintained that the award night was not only for celebration, but victory against adversaries and their collaborators who are bent on bringing the country down, through various means of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
While promising to continue to secure the economy of the country through a safe haven in the oil extraction, saying efforts must be redoubled towards making significant changes positively.
The Managing Director stated that less than two years of the engagement of Tantita Security Services, stakeholders in the oil industry have testified the efficacy of the security outfit in addressing crude oil theft .
The unparalleled commitment of the oil security outfit, arrest of illegal bunkerers their vessels and other equipment been deployed for the criminal acts was a pointer to the success story we are celebrating today.
While eulogizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he lauded the security apparatus in the last one year , as playing a greater roles in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration on securing of National Assets.
He also paid glowing tributes for those members of staff who lost their lives in the course of national assignment and security of national treasure, others who have displayed indispensable roles out to be recognized and also honored to encourage them .
The release further states..
“Welcome Address High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, FNII, FNSE, the Managing Director Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.”
” Good evening, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends,
It is a great honour to welcome you to Tantita’s Award Night: Honouring Excellence This Christmas. Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate achievements but to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together in our fight against oil theft and crude oil vandalism. ”
” This battle is not just about protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructures, it is a mission to secure the economic future of Nigeria. At Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, we have embraced this responsibility with unwavering resolve, and I am proud to say we are making significant strides in this fight. ”
” Before the advent of the Industry wide Security architecture called Operation Plug as established by the Board of NNPC E&P, under the distinguish leadership of Mele Kolo Kyari in 2022, crude oil losses measured 36.69 million barrels, with daily production output of about 800,000–900,000 bpd. It was a dark time for the industry and the country at large. ”
“In less than two years, of the engagement of Tantita, the results were astounding as the report from NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) and NUPRC (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission) for the year 2023 (January to December 2023) shows very significant reduction of oil losses from 36.69 million barrels in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels, reflecting a whopping 79% decrease compared to the previous year. ”
” In the Span Tantita’s operations within these years (August 2022 – Nov 2024) the contribution of Tantita’s workforce who have shown unparalleled commitment in the fight against Crude oil theft discovered a total of 3,963 incidents captured on IMRA. Out of these numbers, 702 were illegal connection points, 971 were cases of theft, 1,784 were illegal refinery cases involving the destruction of 3,063 (as some of the IR were in a Cluster, having more than one Train), and 204 cases of Aversion/Deterrent.”
“It is also worth noting that within this same period of intense work, Tantita Team apprehended 8 vessels, (3) Tugboats and 6 Barges, 117 Vehicles, 52 Tanker Trucks, 47 Fibre/Speed boats, 7 tricycle/motorcycles and 1,743 wooden boats involved in illegal operations.
8. While it will be exhausting to highlight every details of our journey to curtail the scourge of oil theft, a whole lot of other discoveries have been made by our team that has subsumed the scourge of oil theft as either a crime of need or that of greed. ”
“Our success is rooted in collaboration and the support we have received from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Led administration whose commitment and partnership have strengthened our resolve and amplified our impact. Our immense gratitude goes to the unwavering support of the Government Security Agencies especially the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Civil defense, the Department of State Security Service and the Nigerian Navy. Your dedication to eradicate oil theft and vandalism has emboldened us to achieve milestones that were once thought unattainable. ”
“While we recount our success story, we will not forget those who paid the ultimate price. The ones in whose blood the flag of our success rest on. The military especially personnel of the Nigerian Army, civil defense, key informants and of course personnel of TSSNL that died in the course of ensuring that our nation have a booming economy, we mourn and celebrate your sacrifices in same breathe. ”
“Equally, I want to recognise the incredible efforts of our team—a resilient and dedicated group of individuals whose collective contributions drive our success. Whether in the field, planning operations, providing support, or ensuring seamless execution, every member of the Tantita family plays an indispensable role in achieving our mission. Your courage, diligence, and determination inspire us all, and tonight, we celebrate you. ”
“As we honour excellence through these awards, let it serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together with unity of purpose. They are not just symbols of individual accomplishment but also a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision. ”
“While we celebrate tonight, let us also look forward with renewed determination. The journey ahead will require even greater effort, but together, with the support of the government and the strength of our united team, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”
” Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. Let us enjoy the evening, celebrate our victories, and embrace the possibilities of a better future.
. Welcome, and thank you once again.”
“On Adapting to Change; Exploring Challenges , and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year. ”
By Our Reporter
Federal Housing Authority, FHA, Saturday 13th, April, 2025 held a workshop on Adapting to Change: Exploring Challenging and Breakthroughs in Housing Development over the past year.
The workshop which is a follow up to the Retreat held July 2024 aimed at re – appraising what the Authority has been able to achieve within the past year, where the Authority is now and where it will be in the next one year.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Hon Oyetunde Ojo in his opening remarks and Programme Overview, noted that the programme was designed to be in – house to enable staff speak to themselves frankly and practically out of everyday work experience.
He noted that getting external facilitators to re – appraise the Authority over the past one year may not yield the desired result.
He therefore called on all participants to be free to ask any questions and make contributions they feel would be useful in advancing the cause of the Authority.
Hon Ojo used the opportunity to list out some of the achievements and improvements the current Executive Management have been able to achieve in their stay in office.
Such achievements as digitalization of the Authority , improved internet services within the office, linking the Zonal offices for live time interaction.
The Managing Director also noted that his management has been able to give permanent appointments to adhoc staff who have worked and contributed to the growth of FHA as well as physically challenged persons that served in the Authority.
On welfare, the Chief Executive officer said that conducive working environment have been provided for staff. He pointed out the conversion of the newly built MD/CEO’s office complex to offices for staff, the renovation of offices and provision of working tools for staff.
Hon Ojo used the medium to implore members of the public to refrain from attacking and assaulting staff of the Authority or any FHA subsidiary while carrying out their lawful duties.
In his words, he said, …” I will rather resign if I don’t get justice for any of my assaulted staff”.
On the Authority’s current financial stability, he stated that management found It most repugnant that the Authority has been grossly short changed in the statutory fees it charged. According to him,” the EMC found it ridiculous that contactors dictate what happened in the Authority.
“My management refused this and after due deliberations and consultations decided to adequately place our charges to where is currently. ”
The Managing Director noted that revenue does not come to meet you, rather you go out to meet revenue. Consequently, he said that was what has made him to lead revenue drive and enforcements to enable management to meet her finacial obligations.
The increase in the revenue base he said results in regular payment of salaries, quick implementation of the minimum wage, quick payment of all remunerations.
These are factors he said are motivators of staff for effectiveness and excellence.
Hon Ojo also pointed out that for the first time in many years, FHA under him participated on the Federal Civil Service games, and will continue to participate. He also announced that FHA football team has registered for the 2025 Abuja Amateur league.
The Managing Director also announced that the Authority has lined some projects for commissioning. Some of such projects are the 59 shops Gwarinpa Shopping Mall, 100 units of houses in FHA Estate Ajoda, Ibadan, Oyo State as well as the Lugbe Shopping complex.
He also said that the contractors in Bwari project site Abuja have been paid, and that the Authority is in the process of sand filling and reclaiming its land in Festac Town Lagos.
Finally, the Managing Director announced that the Authority’s Research and Innovation department has become functional and would among other things carry out integrity test for FHA and clients from outside.
The 3 day Workshop drew participants and speakers from Federal Housing Authority and the subsidiaries; FHA Mortgage Bank Ltd and FHA Energy Department.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and heartfelt wishes, Jaba Local Government came alive as Honourable Mustapha and Sister Fatima celebrated their union today in a wedding that will be remembered forever.
The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities and dignitaries and prominent figures within and outside Kaduna State, who gathered not only to honour the couple but also to offer guidance, blessings, and sincere prayers for a successful marriage.
Speaking through the Jaba LGA Council Speaker, Hon. Dogo Zachariah, the Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, expressed her deepest gratitude for being part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Hon. Laria congratulated the newlyweds couple and encouraged them to embrace unity, love, and mutual respect in their marriage. She urged the couple to always see themselves as one and remain committed to understanding each other no matter the challenges they may encounter.
Hon. Laria warned the couple against allowing external influences or rumours to interfere in their relationship. “As a married couple, it’s crucial to cultivate trust and open communication,” Hon. Laria advised. “Never allow outsiders to sow discord or bring confusion into your home.”
She further appealed to the general public to avoid meddling in private marital affairs, reminding them that interfering negatively can damage the foundation of any union.
During the event, Professor Yasuf Joe Gandu, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Bingham University, Nasarawa State, also shared his thoughts. Prof. Gandu encouraged the couple to remain patient, tolerant, and supportive of one another. “You’ll never find a perfect husband or a perfect wife,” he said. “But through patience, love, and mutual understanding, couples can build a strong, everlasting relationship.”
The ceremony was further enriched with royal blessings, delivered on behalf of the Kpop Ham, HRH. Danladi Gyet Maude, through the District Head of Fada, His Royal Highness M.D Shehu, also known as the Tafidan Jaba.
HRH. Shehu extended his heartfelt prayers and blessings to Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima, wishing them a life filled with peace, love, and unity. He urged them to always strive for harmony and be each other’s support system through all phases of life.
The Royal Father also prayed for safe journey for all attendees, blessing them with journey mercies as they returned to their homes.
Lastly the newlyweds couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima filled with emotion and gratitude, expressed their appreciation to everyone who had supported them during their journey to marriage. Surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt wishes, Hon. Mustapha addressed the gathering with humility and thankfulness.
“We are truly blessed to have so many loved ones standing with us today,” he said. “Your prayers, love, and sacrifices mean the world to us. To those who travelled long distances, may your journey back be safe and peaceful.”
Sister Fatima, radiating grace and joy, echoed with heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and well-wishers who made the day so special.
In a touching moment, the couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima directed particular appreciation toward Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for her extraordinary support and genuine kindness throughout their weeding preparations and on the wedding day itself. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude,” Hon. Mustapha said.
“May God reward you abundantly for your generosity, warmth, and encouragement. Your presence, support and prayers have added great meaning to our union, thank you so much Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.”Hon. Mustapha added.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.