Tantita Awards ₦1m to 100 Veteran Journalists, ₦5m to Octogenarians in Bayelsa

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has awarded ₦1 million each to 100 veteran journalists and ₦5 million each to octogenarian media practitioners in Bayelsa State, in what was described as a corporate recognition of their decades of service to journalism and national development.

Ejes Gist News reports that the financial awards were presented on February 14, 2026, during an event held in Bayelsa State to honour senior journalists who have chronicled developments in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria over the years.

According to Daily Watch Nigeria, the initiative formed part of Tantita’s broader corporate social responsibility outreach beyond its core pipeline surveillance operations.

₦1 Million for 100 Veterans, ₦5 Million for Octogenarians

The report stated that 100 veteran journalists received ₦1 million each, while media professionals aged 80 and above were presented with ₦5 million each.

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The event was facilitated by Ovieteme George, an Ijaw-born, multiple award-winning television journalist, who coordinated the engagement between the beneficiaries and the company’s management.

Participants described journalism as a demanding profession with limited structured welfare support, particularly for retired practitioners. The gesture was presented as institutional recognition of those who have documented governance, conflict, development and community issues for decades.

Leadership and Corporate Profile

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited operates under the leadership of High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo Oweizide, also known as Tompolo, a Niger Delta figure associated with security and surveillance operations in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.

The Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, oversees the company’s operational and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

According to Daily Watch Nigeria, the Valentine’s Day presentation in Bayelsa underscored the company’s positioning beyond pipeline protection, highlighting interventions aimed at community engagement, youth empowerment and institutional support.

Corporate Social Responsibility Focus

Tantita has primarily been linked to pipeline surveillance contracts designed to curb crude oil theft and protect national oil infrastructure. However, the company has increasingly expanded its public engagement profile through community-based programmes.

Observers note that private-sector support for veteran journalists remains limited in Nigeria, making the Bayelsa initiative one of the more visible corporate interventions targeted at senior media professionals.