A privately funded business grant programme led by Kestin Pondi is helping small businesses across Nigeria grow and create jobs. The initiative recently distributed N800 million, about US$570 thousand to 80 entrepreneurs in what organisers say is one of the largest privately funded business empowerment programmes in the Niger Delta region.
The grants were presented during a ceremony held in Effurun, Delta State. The event brought together government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders who gathered to support entrepreneurs and highlight the importance of strengthening small businesses across the country.
Pondi, who is the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, said the programme was created to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create employment opportunities. Small businesses remain a key driver of economic activity in Nigeria, but many struggle with rising operational costs and increasing competition.
The programme was originally designed to support 50 entrepreneurs, with each beneficiary expected to receive N5 million in funding. However, during the ceremony Pondi announced that the grant amount for each beneficiary would be increased to N10 million. This decision raised the total funding to N500 million and provided stronger financial support for the selected businesses.
The programme expanded further after several contributors stepped in to support additional entrepreneurs. Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, the General Manager of Operations at Tantita Security Services, contributed N100 million which supported 10 more businesses. Another N100 million contribution came from Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, also funding 10 additional entrepreneurs.
Chief Festus Ochonogor added a further N100 million to the programme. By the end of the event, the initiative had expanded to support 80 entrepreneurs with a total payout of N800 million.
Entrepreneurs from across Nigeria applied for the programme. Organisers received more than 26,000 applications from individuals hoping to secure funding to grow their businesses. After a screening process, 100 finalists were selected before an independent panel chose the final 50 primary beneficiaries.
The selected businesses represent a wide range of industries including agriculture, food production, technology, fashion and retail. Among the businesses supported by the programme are Abizen Foods, BlueHive Tech, Vanguard Farms, Pillars Bakery, Jay Sea Food, Urban Threads Collective and Shola Pepper Farm. The funding is expected to help these businesses expand operations, increase production and employ more people.
According to Pondi, the businesses supported during the programme’s first edition in 2025 have already started growing and creating employment opportunities in their communities. The positive results from the first round encouraged organisers to continue the initiative and expand its reach.
Pondi is a civil engineer from the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State and one of the co-founders of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The company was established in 2005 alongside Niger Delta figure Government Ekpemupolo, as well as Ibrahim Sabo and Godspower Sinwah.
Tantita currently holds a pipeline surveillance contract with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. The company has become one of the most influential private security operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Under Pondi’s management, Tantita has been credited with helping reduce crude oil theft in parts of the Niger Delta. Nigeria’s oil production has recovered in recent years from around one million barrels per day at its lowest point to levels approaching two million barrels per day.
Supporters say the company has also created more than 8,000 jobs in the region while contributing to improved security and community development. Community groups and civil society organisations across the Niger Delta have also called on Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to extend and expand Tantita’s surveillance mandate.
