Pondi Doles Out N800million To 80 Entrepreneurs @ 2nd Edition Of Kestin Pondi Business Grant Awards

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Effurun

There was wild jubilations, back tapping and embraces as Engr. Kestin E. Pondi, Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited(TSSNL) announced the increase from N5 million to N10 million per beneficiary at the second edition of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant Award meant initially for 50 persons but was increased to 80 at the venue of the ceremony.

The ceremony brought together government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The business grant initiative, sponsored by High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi is part of activities marking his birthday and reflects his commitment to supporting small and growing businesses in Nigeria as the beneficiaries are drawn from the 36 states of federation.

In a remarkable show of support for business development, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, Delta State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Managing Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and High Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager (Operations),Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited supported the initiative with N100 million each to increase the beneficiaries to 80 to smile home with N10 million each thus making it one of the largest privately funded business empowerment initiatives in the country.

High Chief Pondi said that the business grant initiative is part of activities marking his birthday and reflects his commitment to supporting small and growing businesses in Nigeria.

He said that those who are involved in businesses do so to contribute to the overall growth of Nigerian economy and when it is clear that they need help, they should be assisted hence he has come out to assist those who genuinely need assistance.

According to Engr. Pondi, “we must appreciate the fact that today’s business climate is not friendly due to several factors that includes but not limited to rising operational costs, increasing competitive cost. We decided to reach out to Nigerians across the country through a thorough screening exercise to pick those who really need this assistance to grow their businesses.”

He disclosed that from available records, those persons empowered in the first edition last year have expanded their business, adding, “this is encouraging as they have further helped to create employment for others.
The result has been encouraging with several beneficiaries expanding their operations, increasing productivity, creating employment.”

Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the support and pledged to use the funds responsibly to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.