{"id":5099,"date":"2025-12-04T15:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T15:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/ayakoromo-to-agog-as-tantitas-md-kestin-pondi-gets-set-to-bury-father-in-law-friday-december-5th\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T15:04:02","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T15:04:02","slug":"ayakoromo-to-agog-as-tantitas-md-kestin-pondi-gets-set-to-bury-father-in-law-friday-december-5th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/ayakoromo-to-agog-as-tantitas-md-kestin-pondi-gets-set-to-bury-father-in-law-friday-december-5th\/","title":{"rendered":"Dignitaries To Flood Ayakoromo As Tantita\u2019s MD Kestin Pondi Gets Set To Bury Father In-Law In A Grand Style"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Uche Alvin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The riverside community of Ayakoromo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, is preparing for a landmark funeral tomorrow Friday 5th of December 2025 as the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi Set to join other family members to lay his beloved father in law to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The somber occasion has drawn an enormous congregation of stakeholders from oil industry giants and top security personnel to countless beneficiaries of his kindness all eager to stand by the side of a man recognized as a true national asset and one of the Niger Delta\u2019s most celebrated philanthropists. The funeral rites promise to be a dignified and befitting farewell to a respected elder of the community and a key figure in Chief Pondi\u2019s family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chief Pondi\u2019s name resonates far beyond the creeks of the Niger Delta; it stands for national security and economic resurgence. As the helmsman of Tantita Security, the company entrusted with securing Nigeria\u2019s vital oil pipelines, his leadership has been nothing short of epoch making. Since assuming this crucial role, Chief Pondi has been the visionary force behind the drastic reduction in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, a scourge that had crippled the nation\u2019s economy. Under his watch, Nigeria\u2019s oil production has seen a remarkable upswing, a testament to his strategic insight and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country\u2019s economic future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The effectiveness of Tantita\u2019s operations, driven by Chief Pondi\u2019s technical expertise and innovative security approach, is a matter of public record, earning the company prestigious awards and commendations from top government officials. Yet, the high esteem in which he is held is cemented not just by his professional triumphs but by his profound, pervasive humanism. He has seamlessly woven corporate social responsibility into the core of Tantita\u2019s mission, believing that a stable region is built on empowered people, not just armed guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is this pervasive spirit of selfless giving that has elevated Chief Kestin Pondi to the status of a humanitarian legend, a figure whom many fondly refer to as \u201cDaddy Kess.\u201d He is a philanthropist whose tentacles of generosity stretch across the entire nation. From granting N5 million business cheques to scores of small-scale entrepreneurs across the country to building homes for the physically challenged and funding complex medical treatments abroad, his compassion is borderless. He has dedicated his substantial resources to uplifting market women, students, and struggling artists, transforming countless lives with tangible, non-repayable aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sheer scale of his philanthropy demonstrates a rare political and moral flavour a powerful blend of strategic business leadership and a deep, innate desire for social justice. He sees charity not as an obligation but as a fundamental duty, embodying a philosophy that truly aligns economic success with the betterment of humanity. This genuine, no-strings-attached benevolence is why the outpouring of condolences is so authentic and widespread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event in Ayakoromor is therefore a moment of solemn tribute and a celebration of the immense influence wielded by their distinguished son in law. Even as he mourns, the community recognises the unshakeable pillar of support Chief Pondi represents. He is a man who leads from the front in the relentless war against oil theft and in the quiet, compassionate battles fought daily by the less fortunate. His presence in Ayakoromo is a powerful affirmation of his loyalty, not only to his late father in law but to the kinship ties and communities that form the foundation of his immense success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The elaborate preparations for the burial, undertaken with the characteristic thoroughness of the Chief Engineer, are a reflection of the respect he commands and extends. The convergence of federal, state, and local personalities to pay their respects to the Pondi family patriarch will underscore Chief Pondi\u2019s towering profile as a man who has proven that indigenous expertise can solve national problems while simultaneously driving monumental community empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the burial rites commence, the atmosphere in Ayakoromor is one of respectful mourning mixed with a palpable sense of pride. Pride in the man who has redefined indigenous capacity, secured the nation\u2019s economy, and championed the cause of the common man. High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi\u2019 story continues to unfold as a powerful testament to patriotism, business excellence, and a compassionate heart, a truly inspirational narrative for the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a gesture that underscores his commitment to community and his large-hearted nature, Chief Engineer Kestin Pondi, the MD of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, together with his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Blessing Pondi, the bereaved family of the late Pa Capt. William Elaweremi and the entire Ayakoromo community, have extended a warm and solemn invitation to the general public to join them in giving a truly befitting farewell to the departed elder tomorrow, transforming the funeral from a private affair into a massive convergence of well wishers, dignitaries, and beneficiaries from across the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: The Liberator<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Uche Alvin The riverside community of Ayakoromo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5098,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[398],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/img_5448-2.jpg?fit=478%2C642&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3038,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/08\/22\/ipdi-honors-tompolo-kestin-godfrey-pondi-for-their-contributions-to-ndeltas-peace-youth-empowerment-security-environmental-sustainability\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":0},"title":"IPDI Honors Tompolo, Kestin, Godfrey Pondi, For Their Contributions To N\u2019Delta\u2019s Peace, Youth Empowerment, Security, Environmental Sustainability","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 22, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Joy Ukaegbu The distinguished Comrade Ozobo Austin, the National President of the Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI), has expressed his sincere gratitude for the tireless efforts of the Chairman of Tantita Security Service Limited, Chief (Engr) Kestin Pondi, Tantita's MD, and Tantita's GM, Sir Godfrey Tare Pondi, in promoting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Community"","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_6438-1.jpg?fit=884%2C866&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_6438-1.jpg?fit=884%2C866&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_6438-1.jpg?fit=884%2C866&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/img_6438-1.jpg?fit=884%2C866&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3292,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/11\/30\/ijaw-publishers-forum-lauds-tompolo-kestin-pondi-tantita-security-services-for-footing-medical-bill-worth-n30m-of-bayelsa-born-lawyer\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":1},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Lauds Tompolo, Kestin Pondi, Tantita Security Services For Footing Medical Bill Worth N30m Of Bayelsa-Born Lawyer","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"November 30, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has hailed Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, for donating a whooping N30 million for Barr. Etifa Jonathan\u2019s kidney transplant. Etifa,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/fa193df1-c0be-4ac7-a4de-5ba9fed4065c-1.jpg?fit=960%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/fa193df1-c0be-4ac7-a4de-5ba9fed4065c-1.jpg?fit=960%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/fa193df1-c0be-4ac7-a4de-5ba9fed4065c-1.jpg?fit=960%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/fa193df1-c0be-4ac7-a4de-5ba9fed4065c-1.jpg?fit=960%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4756,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/30\/protecting-oil-assets-is-protecting-nigeria-says-tantita-md-kestin-pondi-as-tantita-bags-defender-of-the-nation-award-in-abuja\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":2},"title":"\u201cProtecting Oil Assets Is Protecting Nigeria\u201d Says Tantita MD. Kestin Pondi, As Tantita Bags Defender Of The Nation Award In Abuja","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has been honoured with the Grand Defender of the Nation Award (Oil & Gas) at the Niger Delta Night of Honor 2025, held on Thursday, August 28, at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja as part of activities marking the 10th Anniversary of GbaramatuVoice.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2268-2-1.jpg?fit=871%2C686&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2189,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/04\/08\/ijaw-publishers-forum-lauds-chief-kestin-pondi-for-awarding-35-ijaw-students-scholarship-to-study-ijaw-language-in-delta\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":3},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Lauds Chief Kestin Pondi For Awarding 35 Ijaw Students Scholarship To Study Ijaw Language In Delta","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"April 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Coastal News The Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF, has commended its patron, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited for awarding 35 scholarship to deserving Ijaw sons and daughters, (including accommodation) to study Ijaw language in College of Education, Warri, Delta State of Nigeria. The IPF's president,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Developmental"","block_context":{"text":"Developmental","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/developmental\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1024-1.jpg?fit=917%2C632&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1024-1.jpg?fit=917%2C632&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1024-1.jpg?fit=917%2C632&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1024-1.jpg?fit=917%2C632&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4772,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/01\/ubebe-b-kester-denyefa-congratulates-tantita-md-kestin-pondi-on-his-recent-award-as-niger-delta-man-of-the-people\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":4},"title":"Ubebe B. Kester Denyefa Congratulates Tantita MD, Kestin Pondi On His Recent Award As \u201cNiger Delta Man Of The People\u201d","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David Congratulations to a Visionary Leader, Boss and Role ModelHigh Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei PondiManaging Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited On behalf of all those whose lives have been touched and inspired by your remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2314-2-1.jpg?fit=924%2C824&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2314-2-1.jpg?fit=924%2C824&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2314-2-1.jpg?fit=924%2C824&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2314-2-1.jpg?fit=924%2C824&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2293,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/05\/28\/family-seeks-justice-for-ayakoromo-born-motor-driver-asiayei-benalayefa-killed-by-a-police-officer-over-n200-bribe-in-bayelsa\/","url_meta":{"origin":5099,"position":5},"title":"Family Seeks Justice For Ayakoromo Born Motor Driver, Asiayei Benalayefa Killed By A Police Officer Over N200 Bribe In Bayelsa","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"May 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Benalayefa Bako Asiayei was shot dead by a Nigeria police officer when returning from work in Yenagoa at Zikoro Road at about 8 pm 27th May 2024. Benalayefa Asiayei 40 years old Electrician who hailed from Ayakoromo, Bobougbene community, Burutu Local Government Area, and Akugbene Town in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Community"","block_context":{"text":"Community","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/community\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/img_2670-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/img_2670-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/img_2670-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/img_2670-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/img_2670-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1kf","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5099","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5099"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5099\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5100,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5099\/revisions\/5100"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}