The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, has disbursed ₦800 million in business grants to 80 Nigerians, with each beneficiary receiving ₦10 million to grow their businesses, create jobs, and help reduce poverty.
The large-scale empowerment initiative, which targets entrepreneurs and small business owners, was unveiled during a ceremony held at the MBB Event Center along Refinery Road in Uvwie, Delta State. Beneficiaries, community leaders, government officials, and invited guests gathered to witness what has been described as one of the most significant privately driven empowerment programmes in the region.
Under the initiative, 80 carefully selected entrepreneurs received ₦10 million each to strengthen and expand their existing businesses. The financial support is expected to help beneficiaries scale operations, employ more workers, and improve productivity within their respective sectors.
The programme formed part of a broader effort by Pondi to promote entrepreneurship and support hardworking individuals who are striving to grow their businesses despite Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
Speaking during the event, Pondi explained that the initiative was designed to give entrepreneurs the financial backing they need to turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
According to him, many young Nigerians have innovative business ideas and strong determination but often struggle to access the capital required to expand.
“This initiative is my way of giving back to society and encouraging our people to keep believing in their potential,” he said.
“When small businesses grow, our communities grow as well.”
He emphasised that the grants were not just about distributing money but about creating opportunities that can transform lives and stimulate long-term economic growth.
Pondi urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and focus on building businesses that can stand the test of time.
“This initiative is not just about financial assistance. It is about inspiring hope and encouraging people to remain committed to their dreams,” he added.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of a ₦10 million cheque to Media Pepper Farm, one of the beneficiaries of the grant programme. The presentation drew applause from guests and other beneficiaries who attended the event.
The recipient expressed deep appreciation to Pondi for what was described as a life-changing intervention, noting that the grant would significantly improve the growth prospects of the business.
Many of the beneficiaries came from different communities across the Niger Delta region, representing various sectors including agriculture, retail, services, and small-scale manufacturing.
Observers at the event noted that the initiative reflects a growing role of the private sector in supporting entrepreneurship and economic development, particularly in areas where access to funding remains a major challenge for small businesses.
Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, who attended the event, praised the initiative and described it as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes organised by a private individual.
Speaking during the ceremony in Uvwie, Anoka commended Pondi for demonstrating what he called an exceptional commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
“Chief Kestin Pondi has shown uncommon leadership by investing in the future of young entrepreneurs,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, programmes of such scale have the potential to transform communities by creating economic opportunities and strengthening local enterprises.
“This programme is not just an empowerment initiative; it is the mother of empowerment programmes because of its scale, impact, and the opportunities it provides for beneficiaries to grow their businesses and become employers of labour,” Anoka stated.
He further noted that initiatives like this complement government efforts to promote economic growth, reduce unemployment, and support social stability in the Niger Delta region.
Anoka also urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the funds are used effectively to expand their enterprises and generate employment opportunities.
“The responsibility now lies with the beneficiaries to utilise the grants wisely and channel them into productive ventures that will strengthen their businesses and benefit their communities,” he said.
The empowerment initiative has drawn attention across the region as a practical example of how targeted financial support can help entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth while creating broader economic impact.
With ₦10 million provided to each of the 80 beneficiaries, the programme is expected to inject new momentum into small businesses, enabling them to expand operations, increase productivity, and contribute to job creation within their communities.
