KESTIN PONDI: Championing a New Dawn in the Niger Delta by Abai Francis

updated 07 Apr, 2025

Sitting at the helms of affairs in Nigeria's foremost security firm that has been winning accolades in the war against oil theft in the Niger Delta region's oil and gas sector, the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), is a vibrant, visionary and audacious youth leader, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi FNIIS FNSE, who holds the traditional offices of the Ibe-Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West, and the Dikeremowei of Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu local government areas, both of Delta State.

High Chief Pondi, the Tantita Boss who is fondly called "Daddy K" or "Daddy Kess" has not only defeated the odds that stood against him in his rise to fortune and fame but he has also beaten the expectations of critics, even taking them by surprise as demonstrated, first, through his patriotism to nationhood by his bold stand in securing oil and gas infrastructures in the region via Tantita (which has led to the two pronged benefits of more oil output in that sector and the reduction in environmental pollution); and secondly, his passion to tend to the needs of the less privilege in society. In this regard, "Daddy K" has raised the bar in humanitarianism very high, making other acclaimed philanthropic acts look like child's play. Simply put, his philanthropic gestures are mind-blowing!

Presently, Daddy K has become an household name in the Niger Delta region and even beyond. But in his current status, the uninformed would think that the Tantita Boss was born with a silver spoon. Far from it! The creek child in his early days struggled like his peers to acquire basic education and to earn a decent living in an environment that became tagged as "disadvantaged" due to the lack of basic infrastructures, a situation that forced many of the creek inhabitants to migrate to the urban centers.

Unlike many, rather than be dissuaded by this "disadvantaged" environment he found himself in, the High Chief was rather emboldened, determined to someday turn the neglected mud in his home terrain into gold. The so-called "disadvantaged" terrain became a porter as he subjected himself to be shapen by the circumstances of his environment, not negatively but with a positive outlook.

Fast forward to the present day, what Daddy Kess has become did not happen by chance. The journey was a torturous one. The road was long and windy. In the process, painful sacrifices were made but with the goal for a brighter future intact. Yet, he is not a man of pride overtaken by the arrogance associated with some wealthy people but he is a personality that exhibits gentility to the core and refuses to be tempted to play god with the position he occupies among his fellow humans.

In his current status, many would think the High Chief has arrived. But they are wrong! Tantita is only but the beginning of greater things to come. The High Chief is not a personality whose thoughts are influenced by money but rather he is a visionary who is driven by the ambition to break new grounds, to venture where no one has tread before, to distinguish himself from the pack and to make a big difference in his time. He had demonstrated this among other feats when his Kalm Marine business ventures was awarded an oil well, first of its kind.

Daddy K has today become the face of a new dawn in the Niger Delta region, standing at the forefront, championing and charting a new course as well as serving as a motivation for the youths and as a beacon of hope to many. He is a practical demonstration of the type of leadership that society looks forward to its leaders to offer their followers. A practical demonstration that you can become what you desire to be in life irrespective of your background or environment. A practical demonstration that anyone can turn their challenges into opportunities to achieve their desired dreams in life.

As it stands today, Daddy K has become a role model that is inspiring many youths across ethnic lines. More importantly he is championing a better future for the next generation especially in the preservation of the natural aquatic habitat in the coastal areas of the delta inherited from their forefathers. This treasured inheritance which is tied to the people's economic survival but has been threatened by oil pollution from illegal operators and oil thieves has become a thing of the past.

As the Ibe-Benemowei and the Dikeremowei continues to push ahead the frontiers of his achievements and continues to garner admiration in the hearts of the people, his acts have proved that he can be passionately trusted with leadership which he has redefined in all standard. Just imagine if such a personality as Daddy K is your Governor or President.

#penglobaldiscourse #KestinPondi

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