Thursday, March 6, 2025, will forever remain an unforgettable day in the lives of the 38 beneficiaries of the Kestin Pondi business grant sponsored by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, TSSNL, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi FNIIS FNSE, as it became a turning point for them, reviving their hopes and dreams of taking their brands to the peak.

However, before the presentation of the award of ₦5,000,000k grant prize to each of the beneficiary (totalling ₦190 million in all), the High Chief, in a motivational presentation, reminded the beneficiaries of what the grant represents, the need for them to work hard, to utilize it judiciously, and most importantly to believe in themselves.

Here is a transcript of the speech which reads:

"Most of the people you see, that you think are money, that you think are wealthy, were not born by wealthy parents; they worked their way to where they are; sometimes without having this kind of support that you are now privileged to benefit from. But then, they have to find their way. Some of them might not even have what it takes to go to school, but they have to find their way.

"I registered Ponkebi Nigeria Limited in 2006 without the hope of getting in to do anything. I just thought that if I registered the company, that would be the first step to get things done. How do you put it, that when opportunity meets preparation... So, you must be prepared and you must go work very hard.

"Today, we are taking 20 persons. You are not the best 20 people. You are the 20 people, who as at now, fit the criteria these people want. If they have used other criteria, you might not necessarily be here, [or] you might still be here. And so, life is about opportunities, life is about taking chances.

"I am very, very happy for the 37 of you who are in this hall. Three people didn't come. They probably are not too sure they are going to make the Top 20. And they think that whatever effort they put, if you are not picked, they necessarily might not have anything. But I am Kestin. I can't call you from your various homes here and not look for an avenue for you to go back home. It's not possible.

"That will also make it very, very compulsory for the committee to make sure that they [beneficiaries] get good accommodation, also make sure that they get good vehicles to convey you from the hotel to this venue, and also to make sure that your safety is of the utmost paramount priority for them.

"Having said all these (I am usually not a man of many words) but then, these grants is to help you, to strengthen your business. Yesterday, I watched when most of you were making presentations and when Titu stood up and said that she wants to buy a machine, the first thing I said was that, 'This money is not enough for the machine, so what are you talking about?' Funny enough, somebody asked that question. The money is not enough for your machine but then, it is to boost your business... 

"Some of your businesses that I was listening to yesterday actually need more than N30 million, some even need more than N100 million). But then, this is a starting point. If you put this into the business and you guide it well, it will take you to where you want to be in 2, 3 or 4 years' time. 

"We all plan business... we plan to grow the business. So, I just want beg you, please put this money into good use so that tomorrow, when I see your business, I will be happy inside. I should be proud of you. I want to be happy that I helped somebody. If your business did not progress, then my objective would have failed and I don't want my objective to fail. My objective is to improve you and I want to see you improve.

"So, I want to beg all of you. If you did not hear your name, don't feel discouraged. I believe that miracles do happen and miracle definitely will happen," the High Chief assured.

To the dismay of the 38 beneficiaries present in the MBB Hall, venue of the award programme that held by Klass Motors along Refinery Road, Effurun, the 18 beneficiaries that earlier thought they had lost out where all accommodated by the benevolence of the sponsor, in fulfillment of his assurance that "miracles do happen!"

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