In a grand and highly commendable display of philanthropy, High Chief Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has disbursed ₦800 million to 80 Nigerian entrepreneurs through the second edition of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant.
Excitement filled the hall at the MBB Consortium Event Center in Effurun as winners of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0 were presented with cheques during the programme’s grand finale.
The initiative, led by Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which is designed to support young entrepreneurs and strengthen small businesses and this year’s event, took place on March 9, 2026, and marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s business empowerment landscape.
The grant presentation formed part of a broader empowerment initiative designed to support hardworking individuals who are striving to grow their businesses despite economic challenges. The initiative reflects Chief Pondi’s belief that empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen communities.
Speaking during the presentation, Chief Pondi emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, noting that many young entrepreneurs possess the passion and ideas needed to succeed but often lack the financial resources to expand their ventures.
According to him, the grant initiative is not just about financial assistance but about inspiring hope and encouraging beneficiaries to remain committed to their dreams. He urged recipients to use the funds wisely and ensure that the opportunity translates into sustainable growth for their businesses.
“This initiative is my way of giving back to society and encouraging our people to keep believing in their potential. When small businesses grow, our communities grow as well,” he said.
A total of 80 entrepreneurs emerged as beneficiaries, after a very credible and transparent selection process, in the second edition of the programme and the announcement by the initiator, Engr Kestin Pondi that grant has been doubled from ₦5 million to ₦10 million per beneficiary, and that each winner would receive N10 million to expand their businesses, sparked joy and gratitude among recipients.
Recall that the Pondi business grant scheme had commenced in 2025 with 40 entrepreneurs each receiving N5 million to support their ventures.
The expansion of the number of beneficiaries and increase of grant financial support this year, was however accomplished by contributions from prominent leaders, including High Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, and Chief Festus M. Ochonogor, who donated ₦100 million each, expanding the programme to 80 beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries were later called forward one after another to receive their cheques, posing for photographs as supporters and guests celebrated the milestone.
One of the major highlights of the event, was the performance of young rising Ijaw singing sensation, Faith Gede (aka Golden Voice), who performed her viral hit song and rave of the moment in Ijawland “The Pondis”, a groovy musical celebration, enriched with the culturally homogeneous ijaw musical style, eulogizing the philanthropy of the Pondi family, to the great delight of the very impressive crowd, that turned out to witness the second installment of the Pondi business empowerment grant ceremony.
Additional reports by PEBNEWS and Dailyreport.ng