In a remarkable display of corporate compassion and social responsibility, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited marked this year’s Valentine’s Day in an extraordinary way, celebrating and honouring veteran journalists in Bayelsa State with a novelty match, awards of appreciation and generous cash rewards.
The celebration, which took place today at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, began with a thrilling 60-minute novelty football match featuring four teams of veteran journalists. The gathering was more than a football match, it was a reunion of history-makers, storytellers, and defenders of truth. The match was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and surprising athleticism as the seasoned media professionals showcased that their pens may have shaped history, but their legs had not forgotten rhythm.
What began as a joyful reunion blossomed into an unforgettable day of restoration and deep fulfillment. Following the match was the presentation of Awards of Appreciation and the announcement of ₦1 million cash gifts to each of the veteran journalists. Another highlight of the day was the declaration of ₦5 million each for veterans aged 80 years and above, a moment that stirred emotions and drew outstanding ovations as elderly journalists were assisted forward amid cheers and applause.
The lead organizer, Mr. Ovieteme George, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to Tantita Security Services for transforming what began as a hopeful idea into a historic reality.
He noted that at the conception of the event, he had worried about the daunting task of securing sponsors. However, Tantita’s Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi FNIIS FNSE, embraced the vision wholeheartedly and declared that the company would solely sponsor the celebration and honour the veterans.
Mr. Ovieteme also paid tribute to journalists, living and departed, who laid the foundation for journalism in Bayelsa State and mentored younger professionals like himself.
In her remarks, Miss Daisy Jaja described journalists as the conscience of society, the fourth estate of the realm who ensure news gets to every corner and the bridge between leadership and the people. She noted that Tantita’s mission goes beyond safeguarding national assets to protecting human capital and community value.
“Corporate Social Responsibility is not a ceremonial obligation to us; it is a moral covenant. Security is not only about pipelines and facilities, but also about preserving dignity, restoring hope, and honouring those who have served the nation,” she stated.
She added that the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, believes those who told society’s stories in the past must not be forgotten. “Today’s gesture is not charity; it is gratitude in action. As we secure Nigeria’s critical assets, we remain committed to investing in people and uplifting communities across the Niger Delta and beyond.”
One of the beneficiaries, Timiebi Sami Ebiye, Director of News/Current Affairs, Radio Rivers/Radio Bayelsa (Rtd), expressed deep appreciation:
“Since the inception of this state, this has never happened. In fact, it hardly happens anywhere. If Tantita truly understands the depth of what they have done here today and how much this means to us, they will be more fulfilled than we are. This is a lifetime of service, some long forgotten, being honoured and celebrated today. God bless Tantita and High Chief Kestin Pondi for coming all the way to Bayelsa to make old journalists happy and proud once again.”
For many of these veterans, the cash gifts and plaques were symbolic. What they truly received was affirmation. This was a recognition of their ink-stained battles, their midnight deadlines, their courage in seasons when truth was expensive and neutrality was misunderstood. It was acknowledgement of a profession they chose, not for applause, but for impact.
Also present were Mr. Idama Amurun Head of Field Operations and members of the NNPCL Project Management Office (PMO), the Head of Service of Bayelsa State, Dr. Josephine Igodo MNI (Rtd), Pastor David Walefaso of Charismatic Renaissance Int’l Church, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Yemoleigha Tonye, who assisted in the presentation of awards and cheque.
There are aches medicine cannot cure and regrets time does not easily erase. But sometimes, honour arrives like balm to the soul. Today, some long-held doubts dissolved. Some silent disappointments surrendered. Some invisible wounds found healing.
And as the sun set over Yenagoa, one thing was clear: Tantita Security Services did more than celebrate Valentine’s Day. We rewrote gratitude in bold letters and reminded a generation that service, though sometimes delayed in reward, is never forgotten.
