No fewer than 80 young Nigerian entrepreneurs have benefited from the 2026 edition of Kestin Pondi Business Grant.
The beneficiaries, selected across the 36 states in the country were empowered with a sum of N10 million each on Monday at Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
The business grant initiative was sponsored by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Kestin Pondi.
The initiative which started in 2025 was part of activities marking Pondi's birthday and reflects his commitment to supporting small and growing businesses within the Niger Delta region.
Addressing the gathering, Pondi said that 50 entrepreneurs were initially selected as primary beneficiaries with each receiving ₦10 million in the 2026 edition of the programme.
He said that three prominent individuals
further strengthened the business initiative through additional cumulative contributions of N300 million.
"High Chief Godfrey Pondi, General Manager (Operations) of TSSNL, donated ₦100 million at N10 million each for 10 entrepreneurs.
"Also, Mr Michael Anoka, Delta Commissioner for Power and Energy, contributed ₦100 million to support 10 additional businesses.
"In same vein, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Managing Director/CEO of the Delta Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), donated ₦100 million to empower 10 additional entrepreneurs.
"These contributions expanded the programme from 50 to 80 beneficiaries, bringing the total value of grants awarded during this edition to ₦800 million," he said.
Pondi said that those who involved themselves in businesses, do so to contribute to the nation's economy.
"It is not easy to grow business due to rising cost of operation, those who can stand the time in business entreprise should be appreciated.
"We must appreciate that today's business climate is not easy, rising operational cost, fluctuation and increasing competitive environment," he noted.
Pondi said that the 2026 edition of the business grant programme remained one of the largest
privately-funded business empowerment initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
The managing director further said that the business grant programme had continued to grow in both scale and impact.
According to him, during the maiden edition in 2025, the initiative awarded ₦5 million each to 40 entrepreneurs.
He, however, said that the Business Grant would continued to reflect his visionary leadership, generosity, and commitment to sustainable economic empowerment.
The beneficiaries unanimously expressed deep appreciation for the support and pledged to use the funds judiciously to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of a birthday cake to High Chief Pondi by members of the Business Grant Committee.
Among the beneficiaries were: Stands Services Nigeria Limited and Vanguard Farms.
In attendance were: Mr Anthony Ofoni, Chairman, Uvwie Local Government Area; Kelly Penawou, Delta Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs; Ms Orode Uduaghan, Commiss
ioner for Humanitarian Affairs among others.
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