The Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Effurun, Delta State, has awarded Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) as the “most outstanding oil and gas security company of the year” for its bravery in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Tantita, a private security outfit in Nigeria, is owned by former Niger Delta agitator and leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
Since their engagement by the Federal Government, Tantita, along with security agencies, has been spearheading the fight against oil theft and pipelines vandalism in the Niger Delta thereby increasing the nation’s daily production.
The award was presented to the company on Thursday at FUPRE campus in Effurun which also saw the presentation of scholarship awards to six students of the university.
Speaking shortly after being presented the award, Managing Director of Tantita, Engr. Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, commended the institution for recognising efforts of the company in curbing oil theft in the region.
Pondi said the recognition would not have been possible without a committed workforce who traverse the creeks of the Niger Delta to stop the activities of criminals.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without our team who traverse the creeks of the Niger Delta to ensure the job of securing our pipelines is done. Tantita remains your one stop centre for pipelines and all other security services in Nigeria, our fatherland,” Pondi stated.
Also speaking, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s Chief, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who was also an awardee, promised to assist the university in sustaining its world-class standard.
“We will do everything so that the standard for which the university is known for will be sustained. You will continue to enjoy our support,” Komolafe assured.
Expressing delight on receiving the award, the NUPRC Chief said it will spur him “to serve the nation better”.
He further assured that the commission will be granting opportunities for further “sharpening” and “development” of students’ “capabilities”.
Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Engr. Prof. Rim-Rukeh Akpofure urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to take on projects within the school that will be known by the name of their organizations
Also, the Chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, Dr. Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, said it was gratifying that the firm’s work is being noticed as an “innovative player” in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Mrs. Lulu-Briggs, represented by Chief Clifford Daerego, further disclosed that the company was of the first indigenous companies to comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in April.
Tantita was among other organisations, including Kalm Marine and Petroleum Services Limited and Moni Pulo Limited that emerged awardees of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) 2023 awards which is powered by the African Child Foundation.
