The Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has built and donated a
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centre to the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The Managing Director of TSSNL, High Chief Kestin Pondi, while unveiling the tastefully furnished two-storey edifice on Tuesday in Warri, highlighted the importance of education in shaping a better society.
Pondi said that the facility would help in the pursuit of
knowledge and learning in the custodial facility and by implication facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
Recall that Tantita, a private pipeline security outfit engaged by the federal government to protect the nation's critical assets, beyond its primary task, had continued to invest in human lives, rebuilding destinies, and shaping a better future for the society.
The managing director emphasised that the private security outfit was committed to reaching out to both the high and low in the society.
He said that the inaugurated modern edifice comprised: eight fully furnished classrooms, an administrative office, water-system toilets, a borehole supply system, and a solar-powered inverter system.
Pondi added that the project represents more than an investment in bricks and mortar.
According to him, the project represents opportunity, hope and the belief that every person, regardless of their past conduct, can be transformed through education, it represents a second chance.
"This building will house the NOUN, study centre for custodial inmates in Warri. It is a landmark for Tantita.
It is also a landmark for us as we reach out to the high and low of the society, to say no one is forgotten in our society.
"It is a day that reinforces our conviction at TSSNL that security is not only about protecting assets and territories, but also about investing in human lives, rebuilding destinies, and shaping a better future for our society," he said.
Pondi noted that rehabilitation of inmates was the most crucial roles of the correctional centres,
adding that rehabilitation comes through education.
He recalled that the transformation of the Nigerian Prisons to the Nigerian Correctional Services on Aug. 15, 2019 was not just a change of name, but
a deliberate shift in philosophy, from punishment to rehabilitation and from stigma to dignity.
According to him, it is in alignment with this national vision, that Tantita chose to support the Warri Correctional Centre with the newly constructed educational facility to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
The managing director said that the educational project was consistent with the Tantita's wider commitment to community development across Nigeria.
He added that recently, the private security firm had the honour
of renovating the historic Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna; a landmark of faith and culture.
"That project, like this one, reflects our philosophy that true security is built not only through vigilance alone, but also through investment in people, communities, and the values that bind us together," he said
Pondi, however, expressed hope that the study centre would give both the inmates and staff access to a qualitative path to academic advancement.
He also said that the project would not only transform individuals, but also strengthen our collective security as a nation, noting that an educated mind is more inclined to productivity.
Also speaking, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta said that the project underscored the power of purposeful collaboration between government and the private sector in building a more inclusive, rehabilitative and progressive society.
The governor was represented by Prof.
Yerhovwo Tonukari, state commissioner for Higher Education
"Beyond your critical role in safeguarding our strategic national assets, you have demonstrated that true security is not only about protecting pipelines and infrastructure but also about investing in people
"This project is not just a building, it is a beacon of hope, a testament to second chances and a tangible contribution to the rehabilitation and reintegration of fellow citizens," the governor said.
On his part, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, the Comptroller- General of the Nigerian Correctional Services described the study centre as central to the collective enhancement and reintegration of inmates into the society.
The Comptroller- General was represented by the Assistant Comptroller of Prisons, Kingsley Njoku.
"The Correctional Service has put in motion educational facilities in all the custodial centres across the nation, from primary, secondary and university, through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
"The inauguration of this block of classrooms in this Custodial Centre aligns with our objective and will further add to the number of custodial centres having NOUN study centre.
"It will also give opportunity to the growing number of inmates seeking education to pursue their career unhindered," he said.
Nwakuche thanked the management of the Tantita, noting that the project aligned with reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of reformation in correctional services.
In attendance were: representatives of other govern
ment security agencies, TSSNL's management staff and among others.
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